Artificial Biosphere Module - a side-goal for players
(http://www.anthonyblake.co.uk/Biosphere_2.jpg)
The new base layout give's a large hollow square between the modules.
http://hyperkat.com/litterbox/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=454.0;attach=157;image
I propose that in the final stage of base developement players would be able to add a biosphere module which would be a nice side-goal for the players. Artificial biospheres are being build on Earth for scientific study. They are in a shape of a small pyramid. The creation of an artificial biosphere by the space-colony is the final stage of base evolution at which the players can reely call themselves a "colonists". The creation of biosphere module is extremely hard - not becouse we don't know how to do it, but becouse we can't send ton's of materials on Mars...every it's component needs to be extracted in-situ. And that's fun!
In order to create a biosphere, the colonists would first need to:
-Gather enough water (5 tons?)
-Create from scrath soil from martian regolith, using chemical refining proceses.
-Generate enough power for biosphere life support
-Create (2 tons?) of pleksiglas from which the pyramid will be builded
-Raise by yourselve some plants: trees, bushes and weeds and then plants them in the soil you made.
Inside of a biosphere: http://cdn2.inphotos.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/biosphere-2-blue.jpg (http://cdn2.inphotos.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/biosphere-2-blue.jpg)