[hinckley buzzard]

I really think permanent bases on the Moon and Mars will need to be burrowed into the soil. Advantages are protection from external hits and radiaton, as well as moderation of extreme temperature fluctuations. Besides, there is nothing on the surface we can use, but there may be water and minerals to be found beneath the surface.

The first permanent lunar base may be visible only by the solar array above it, collecting energy.

[BobL]

“I really think permanent bases on the Moon and Mars will need to be burrowed into the soil. “

I agree on the Moon, maybe not so much on Mars. In any case, we’ll see what the Chinese and Russians come up with - hopefully they’ll have streaming and a translator for us.

Any thoughts on Dancing with the Stars?

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

I agree that underground is the way to go, but there are some other things that can go on the surface as well, such as high gain antennas.

There is also value in partial protection on the surface. Assuming there are some nuclear reactors available, cut stone walls can provide “outdoor storage”, to reduce damage to equipment, and eventually such cut stone can be used to make landing pads. There would also probably be permanent tethered weather balloons for Martian atmospheric studies and over the horizon communications.