In designing its prototype space habitat, Interstellar Lab considered all the resources that humans depend on to live on Earth.

"The two planets share a common ground," Barbara Belvisi, the company's CEO, said in a statement. "What we need to bring on Mars for life is what we need to protect on Earth right now."

The idea is just a proposal for now, but Belvisi has identified four potential locations in the Mojave desert. She told Venture Beat that she is negotiating on a property and expects to finish that process in February.

Belvisi also said she intends to raise funding for the colony's construction.