Science fiction is filled with tales of humanity expanding permanently into space. In these envisioned futures, we find ways to survive and thrive in space for extended periods. Beyond Earth, we would face challenges such as microgravity, increased radiation, and unfamiliar environments. To endure even briefly in space, we must bring all the comforts of home with us.
The Ark on SYFY attempted to address this issue by placing its passengers in stasis. Ideally, if they had remained in stasis throughout the journey, everything would have gone smoothly. However, due to damage to their ship and the loss of much of the crew, they are now stranded in deep space. Space: 1999, a sci-fi series from 1975 (available for streaming on Peacock), initially takes place closer to home with the establishment of Moonbase Alpha, a research station inside a crater on the Moon.
Future Moon bases could potentially be constructed inside underground lava tube caves. Scientists have identified a large pit on the Moon’s surface, known as Mare Tranquillitatis, which could serve as a potential lunar habitat. This pit, along with others like it, has been studied to determine its suitability for human settlement. The presence of lava tube caves a few hundred feet below the surface has been confirmed, offering potential shelter from the harsh lunar environment.
These caves, believed to have formed from ancient lunar magma activity, could provide protection from extreme temperature variations on the Moon’s surface. While the Moon experiences temperatures ranging from 260 Fahrenheit in sunlight to negative 280 Fahrenheit during the night, the underground caves maintain a relatively stable temperature of 63 degrees. This consistent temperature could make them ideal for a lunar base, shielding astronauts from the harsh conditions of space.
Despite the advantages of underground Moon bases, the drawback is the inability to see the stars from beneath hundreds of feet of rock. Nonetheless, these caves offer a potential solution for establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Don’t miss new Season 2 episodes of The Ark on SYFY every Wednesday, or catch up on previous seasons on Peacock, where you can also watch Space: 1999 and a variety of other sci-fi favorites!