TRANSFORMARs

This is a 1:50 scale model (metric) of a space rocket that transforms into a Mars base. (well, conceptually)

Instead of building vehicles to transport pieces to build a base, it seemed more reasonable to use the whole spaceship as the future inhabitable space. The crew and additional life support can be flown there in a seperate spaceship....this one at least is the getting started kit!...and it is obviously more fun if you can also play around with the objects in real life (or your kids).... ;)

Following thoughts went into the desgin:
As Mars has a semi hostile environment for humans in terms of cold, radiation and strong winds the whole complex is lowered into the martian soil. The foundations can be digged out and then all the pieces can be put in place and safely connected. The lowering into the earth keeps more heat during cold times and shades a bit from the strong winds and protects from the radiation due to the lacking magnetic field. Additionally martian soil can be stacked upon the capsules and the vaults who will be put upon the walkway that connect the spaces.
The big communal space would be used as kitchen dinging, living and also to grow plants. The skin is made out of inflatable cushions and cladded partly with PV-cells. To shade from strong sun but still let light through. The air works as isolation layer. The other capsules are turned into more private and quiet areas. Always 2 people would share one living cell. Similar to the Southpole Research Station.

Utility spaces like water treatment plants, a sanitary module, labs, power generators, tool and rover storage, etc. are also available....and by digging more connecting tunnels and bringing more modules to Mars the base can grow...

... if there had been more time, i would have added some spacy details on the surfaces....maybe I do that later if you guys ask for it.

to be more (time)efficient I also used some of the amazing design already existing on Thingiverse and scaled and modified them:

• the capsules are based on http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:34320

• the rocket end is derivated from http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:155827

• i used this http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10541 for the mechanical structure parts

• and adapted this http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8796 for the turning mechanism

• and this is the wind turbine http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1689

...thanks for sharing these things!