Arcadia Planitia
Arcadia Planitia is a large plain in the northern hemisphere of Mars and the location of Martian Micro’s primary surface operations. The region was selected based on geological stability, near-surface water ice and environmental conditions suitable for long-term autonomous infrastructure.
Location Overview
Arcadia Planitia is located in the northern mid-latitudes of Mars, west of the Tharsis volcanic region. The terrain is characterized by low elevation variance, low rock density and broad flat expanses.
These characteristics enable predictable construction, surface mobility and scalable deployment of modular infrastructure without extensive terrain preparation.
Geological Characteristics
The region consists primarily of volcanic plains covered by sedimentary deposits shaped by long-term climate cycles.
Orbital radar data confirms the presence of extensive near-surface water ice layers beneath a protective regolith cover, providing a stable resource base for material processing and closed-loop systems.
Sources:
Environmental Conditions
Arcadia Planitia presents relatively moderate surface conditions compared to equatorial and high-altitude regions of Mars:
- average surface temperatures ranging between -80°C and -20°C
- reduced dust storm frequency compared to southern regions
- stable seasonal cycles
- low seismic activity
- minimal slope gradients
These conditions reduce mechanical stress, simplify enclosure design and support continuous long-term operation with minimal intervention.
Water Ice and Resource Availability
Near-surface water ice is a defining feature of Arcadia Planitia.
The ice layer enables:
- water extraction
- oxygen generation
- thermal buffering
- closed-loop life-support processes
- polymer and material processing support
This resource availability is a foundational requirement for Martian Micro’s zero-waste engineering model.
Why Arcadia Planitia Supports Zero-Waste Engineering
Martian Micro systems are designed under the assumption that resupply is limited or unavailable.
Arcadia Planitia enforces strict constraints:
- every material must remain in circulation
- every device must be repairable
- every structure must be modular
- waste must be transformed, not exported
These constraints define the minimum operational standards for all Martian Micro devices and facilities.
The Facility Context
Within Arcadia Planitia operates the Martian Micro research facility, internally designated MMRF-A01.
The facility integrates:
- modular construction systems
- closed-loop recycling
- autonomous maintenance
- android- and drone-first operation
All systems are designed to function continuously under Martian environmental constraints.