AstraMine · Mars Careers

After several issues with robots we have taken two main steps. Firstly, there are both a switch and voice command on every robot that kills power immediately. This means that if something goes wrong all machines on the base can be stopped. Secondly, every machine is checked weekly for any faults and all AI used within them is constantly monitored. We have had no issues with this for seven years.

You can of course not have a domestic robot. Everyone who has worked with us for more than two years has one. They do all the chores (including cooking) meaning your down time is as relaxed as you can make it. Over the last two years huge progress has been made which has led to the robots being good companions.

Mars is a dangerous place where any number of things can go wrong very quickly. This means, for your safety, there are many sensors, in the main, air composition, radiation and structural strain. We also need cameras to act quickly in case of any anti-social behaviour that could lead to base damage. We uses “consentful visibility”, every camera has a light ring showing who can currently see the feed (nobody, local security, Earth-side ops). In order for us to have no cameras in the home pods we have been forced to do full scans of everyone as they enter. This only happened after various near misses with anti-Mars terrorists.

Weber described the “iron cage” as a life reduced to rules, metrics and bureaucracy. Our base could easily have become this with algorithms for every conflict. We began with too many rules but since then we have done everything we can to allow people to make their own rules. The systems keeps you alive, but they don’t decide what a nice day is.

During Covid we learnt that when humans withdraw nature reclaims: foxes on ring-roads, plants through paving. We inverted that idea, green corridors are carefully planted and others left “feral” for moss, algae and opportunistic life. This is not just aesthetic, it is a reminder that the habitat is borrowed and that humans are not the centre of everything. Also, they produce oxygen!

The minimum contract is three years. The longer you stay the longer you get paid! This leads to upgrades in your home pod, more annual leave and even shorter working weeks. Unfortunately, if you decide to leave early you will have to pay your fare back which, as you can imagine, is extremely expensive.

Yes. AstraMine partners with UK universities for remote accredited modules. Crew members have earnt degrees in varying fields, from history to engineering. Any AstroMining certified qualifications will be fully funded and any tuition is fully covered after the first two years of service.

A lot! The main shopping zone has a pub, a curling rink, a small theatre, various restaurants and a cinema. The pub shows Earth leagues, has quiz nights and open mic nights. The park level is always available (except during meteor warnings) where residents can relax, walk, play games and even climb trees! You can also go for surface hikes on various trails with the on base astronauts.

We strongly encourage families to come to Mars. We want people to live on our base for generations! Over half of long term AstraMine employees now live on Mars with their families, even those who could do their job just as easily on Earth. There is almost no crime and actually slightly less survelliance than there is on Earth.

We have all heard stories about villages in the Victorian times where everyone knew each other and had done for generations. That is the feeling on Mars, our base now has over 1,000 residents, and it is difficult to find people who do not know each other. The social areas are shared and, frankly, there is nowhere else to go! The culture mixes humour, discipline and pride of a job well done. Everyone is here to help build something that outlives them.

A sensible question! Firstly, this has never happened.The AstraMine Town is mainly underground to reduce risk. We have installed various defenses including missle intercept and long range scanners to stop meteorites before they hit. The surface domes are incredibly strong with an automatic system that slides in place every night to make sure the system is working. Your (and our) safety is our highest concern.