A roadmap to cave dwelling on the Moon and Mars

Habitat in lava tubes recently discovered on the Moon and Mars, should become a unifying concept for occupancy. Basic motivations and specifications for such a habitat are briefly reviewed.The first step is to obtain a consensus from Agencies on the validity of the concept. Afterwards, two types of research programs should be implemented:(1)Search for lava tubes by dedicated polar orbiters.Mapping, classification and choice of site should be achieved before 2020.(2)Development of specific technology to begin by the end of the 2020s:–Bulldozers, elevators, and cranes for access.–Inflatable cylindrical structures of large dimension for housing.Since apprenticeship is needed for Mars habitat, Moon lava tubes would be used as a first step. Use of lava tubes provides therefore a unifying concept for exploration. A roadmap is proposed.