Colonization of Mars Research Papers (original) (raw)

Previous outline proposals for terraforming Mars nearly all require, as a first step, the creation of a dense atmosphere of carbon dioxide, with a surface pressure of ~ 1 bar and with sufficient greenhouse effect to raise surface temperatures above 273 K. However, since it is now thought that the bulk of Mars' CO2 inventory lies either within carbonate rocks, or has been lost from the planet in an early episode of impact erosion, this first step may be more difficult to achieve than commonly appreciated. If carbonate bearing minerals are abundant within the Martian regolith, it would be necessary to devolatilise them to return their store of CO2 into the atmosphere. The most practical way to do this would be through the use of buried thermonuclear explosives. It is shown that at least ten million such explosives, in the multi-megaton range, buried at depths of hundreds of metres would be required. All materials required for their fabrication could be obtained from Martian resources. The most serious objection to such a scheme is that Mars is likely to be settled before terraforming becomes practical, thus ruling out highly energetic or intrusive engineering techniques.

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- Astrobiology, Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming

As interest in the exploration of Mars intensifies and advancements in technology increase the viability of just such a mission, one of the very first problems facing explorers, and eventually settlers, is adequate shelter. An extremely promising candidate material for the building of these structures is concrete made using Martian soil as the aggregate and Sulphur as the cement. This Martian Concrete is strong, and would be more durable in Mars' weaker gravity, more reusable than regular concrete, and significantly dense 1 , enough to provide a measure of protection from the radiation found on Mars' surface, which is moderately more pervasive than the radiation on Earth's surface. Building these structures by hand would be inefficient and costly, taking time away from other important and urgent activities. The advent and proliferation of 3D printing in Earth based architecture holds many possibilities for application off-world. Since 3D printing technology is advancing and often providing cheaper ways of building many different types of structures of virtually any design. By adapting and redesigning some of the plans and ideas presented for 3D printing structures on the Moon 2 and conceptualizing architecture that would be better suited for the Martian environment, it is possible to build adequate and lasting structures quickly and cheaply using materials found in abundance on the Martian surface. As numerous projects advancements in 3D printing in architecture and construction have demonstrated 3 , 3D printed structures are safe, sound, and easily made. Combining existing technology and Martian Concrete will be the best and most sustainable way to build habitats on Mars.

- by Jonathan Harline and +1
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- Structural Engineering, Planetary Science, Composite Materials and Structures, Mars

Among the greatest obstacles to the implementation of crewed space missions are human biological limitations. Difficulties were always envisioned in relation to both Earth's moon and Mars but more so for Mars because long spaceflights would also expose crew to prolonged microgravity conditions, in addition to radiation. The result could well be osteoporosis, bone fractures, and disability. In this article, we do not contest the validity of bone loss studies. Rather, we question a seemingly tacit assumption about the immutability of human nature. Indeed, new, invasive, and noninvasive techniques of human enhancement already allow humans to enjoy modifications that will enable lengthy space missions. The alteration of human DNA has not only aided cancer patients but, for example, by using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing procedure, can also help to prevent damage to limbs and joints that a prolonged Mars mission could cause for the crew. Possible ethical objections to this solution are discussed, and trade-offs between risks and benefits outlined.

- by Christopher Corbally
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- Transhumanism, Human Enhancement, Space Policy, Transhumanism/Posthumanism

If we had the ability to terraform Mars, would it be morally permissible to do it? This chapter surveys three preservationist arguments for the conclusion that we should not terraform Mars and three interventionist arguments that we should. The preservationist arguments appeal to a duty to conserve objects of special scientific value, a duty to preserve special wilderness areas, and a duty not to display vices characteristic of past colonial endeavors on Earth. The interventionist arguments appeal to a duty to fulfill our pioneering nature, a duty to extend the lifespan of our species, and a duty to restore the ecosystems Mars may once have housed. The preservationist arguments are stronger than the interventionist arguments; terraforming Mars is probably morally wrong.

- by Ian Stoner
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- Environmental Ethics, Colonization of Mars, Terraforming, Space Ethics

- by Konrad Szocik and +3
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- Transhumanism, Human Enhancement, Space Policy, Transhumanism/Posthumanism

The outcome of terraforming on Mars is examined by considering the function of its biosphere. By borrowing a life-support model of the Earth's biosphere, scenarios of ecopoiesis and full terraforming are contrasted in terms of their energy flow and matter cycling. It is argued that Martian colonists are unlikely to be satisfied with the services provided by the anaerobic biosphere produced by ecopoiesis and that full terraforming will be the specific goal of planetary engineering. The distance of Mars from the sun and its probable lack of a closed rock cycle will require small scale, conscious intervention in biogeochemical cycles to maintain the habitability of the planet. Vernadsky's concept of the noosphere (an envelope of mind) will thus have more relevance to Mars as an abode of life than Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis.

- by Martyn Fogg
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- Astrobiology, Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming

This article offers two arguments for the conclusion that we should refuse, on moral grounds, to establish a human presence on the surface of Mars. The first ... more

This article offers two arguments for the conclusion that we should refuse, on moral grounds, to establish a human presence on the surface of Mars. The first argument appeals to a principle constraining the use of invasive or destructive techniques of scientific investigation. The second appeals to a principle governing appropriate human behavior in wilderness. These arguments are prefaced by two preliminary sections. The first preliminary section argues that authors working in space ethics have good reason to shift their focus away from theory-based arguments in favor of arguments that develop in terms of pre-theoretic beliefs. The second argues that, of the popular justifications for sending humans to Mars, only appeals to scientific curiosity can survive reflective scrutiny.

- by Ian Stoner
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- Environmental Ethics, Philosophical Methodology, Colonization of Mars, Space Ethics

The exploitation of geothermal energy has been absent from previous considerations for providing power for settlements on Mars. The reason for this is the prevailing paradigm that places all of Mars' volcanic activity in the remoter past and hence postulates a crust that is frozen to great depths. It is argued in this paper that this view may be true in general, but false in particular. Geological evidence is reviewed that suggests that magmatism may have been active on Mars until recent times and hence may still be ongoing. Thus the presence of significant, localized, hyperthermal areas cannot be ruled out on the basis of the low mean heat flows predicted by global heat flow models. The possibility of the presence of useful geothermal fields is further strengthened by observations of fluvial outflows that seem to have been associated with certain magmatic extrusions and which therefore hint at favourable groundwater conditions. Such a geothermal energy source would be of great potential economic value, being of use for the generation of electricity and direct heating for industry and habitation. The addition of this energy option to those of solar, wind and nuclear, cannot but enhance the prospects of a Martian civilization that must start afresh, without an equivalent to Earth's stock of fossil fuels.

- by Martyn Fogg
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- Mars, Geothermal Energy, Colonization of Mars, Mars Settlement

Aspects of currently understood planetology relevant to the possibility of terraforming Mars are reviewed. Evidence that Mars may have been naturally habitable in the past, for at least anaerobic life, is supportive of the feasibility of rendering the planet habitable in the future. The physical and the chemical state of the intrinsic resources needed for such a task and their whereabouts are less certain. However, what constraints can be placed provide a context in which superficially realistic terraforming models can be proposed. It is argued that the detailed knowledge needed in order to assess the ultimate realism of terraforming requires the presence of a permanently established population, exploring Mars as part of living there.

- by Martyn Fogg
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- Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming, Ecopoiesis

The paper describes an upper-division university course in Mars literature taught online since Fall 2013. The course readings comprise six novels relating to Mars. Authors include H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, Phillip K. Dick, Greg Bear, and Kim Stanley Robinson. After an introduction, sections of the paper discuss course organization and syllabus, Americanist conceptual approaches, anti-colonialism, habitat sustainability, and pedagogical possibilities for future discussion of Mars literature. The paper argues for a fiction-based approach to understanding historical and potential future relationships with Mars and Mars science.

- by Joe Lockard and +1
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- Education, Science Education, Planetary Science, Science Fiction

A two-stage terraforming scenario is outlined for Mars. The approach adopted differs from past methodology in two ways. It adopts a more conservative and plausible Martian volatile inventory. Possible planetary engineering solutions, including possible synergic use of terraforming techniques, are examined in detail. In the first stage, the Martian environment is modified to a state where it can support microbial and hardy plant life in approximately 200 years. While this step is conceptually similar to past scenarios, it differs greatly in detail. The second stage deals with the creation of conditions tolerable for human beings over a period of approximately 21,000 years. It is concluded that terraforming Mars is possible but not by the passive, or near-spontaneous, methods favored by some workers. A powerful industrial effort is required both on the planet's surface and in space as will be continuing technological intervention to stabilize the postterraformed regime.

- by Martyn Fogg
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- Astrobiology, Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming

One of the stated goals of NASAs Astrobiology Institute is to investigate the possibility of whether life can spread beyond its home planet: What is the potential for survival and biological evolution beyond the planet of origin? This boils down to where we are going as a species, and the really big question is, could Mars have a biosphere once again? In October 2000 a two-day conference entitled The Physics and Biology of making Mars Habitable was organised by Chris McKay at the NASA Ames Laboratory to discuss the possibility of one day changing the climate of Mars to a more Earth-like environment, suitable for terrestrial species to flourish. Twenty six papers, by an international cast of authors, were listed on the programme and the attendance was so good that the venue had to be transferred to a larger auditorium.

- by Martyn Fogg
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- Astrobiology, Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming

This research describes efforts developed in the Biohabitat greenhouse operating in the Brazilian Mars analog research station Habitat Marte (www.HabitatMarte.com). During the simulated missions in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, operational protocols for an aquaponic farming system were developed. How to produce food in space habitats? This is one of the main questions related to space habitats sustainability. It is more feasible transport seeds to space habitats (Mars and Moon) and cultivate food crops in these destinations. Food production systems presents challenges about: 1) save energy, 2) guarantee the surveillance of the crops, 3) be autonomous managed; 4) guarantee high and efficient production in limited areas; 5) guarantee avoidance plagues; 6) guarantee adequate amount of nutrients for the plants; 7) Easy maintenance; 8) Easy assembly; 9) Existence of routines and procedures; 10) Existence of guidelines. In BioHabitat/ Habitat Marte was possible identify relevant results associated to development of food routines and protocols that would be replied in space habitats: 1) analysis, 2) diagnosis; 3) ensure the proper management of circular systems; 4) assure the fidelity of methodologies during the cultivation process; 5) orientation for maintenance; 6) detect possible failures to be fixed. Was possible to create a database with physical and biochemical parameters, such as: temperature, humidity, levels of nitrogenous compounds (NH3, NO2, NO3) and pH of water. In this way, the correct management of space food systems enables better control of the variables in the space agriculture process. The challenge of the research developed is establish partnership with space agencies and space research groups to develop cooperative research, focusing how the automation and Internet of Things-IoT sensors would be a fundamental technology to guarantee the confidence related to food production in space habitats. .

- by Ceren Göncü
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- International Relations, Colonization of Mars, Deep Space Missions

Earth is a safe haven bustling with movement, innovative ideas and creative minds, but we are also surely becoming over capacitated, and with our population growing more and more everyday, it is only a matter of time before Earth's resources can no longer sustain us, nor will there be any room for us to live in comfortably. Like in ancient times, humans have always looked for the skies for solutions to their problems, and that is what our scientists and researchers have also been doing, looking at the skies for a new alternative, and it seems like we have found one. Mars, the red planet, and Earth's neighbour, was recently discovered as a planet that could one day have the possibility to sustain human life. Humans on Mars will explore all the different aspects of human colonization on our neighbour, the little red planet.

- by Austin A Mardon and +2
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- Space Exploration, Colonization, Colonization of Mars, Mars Exploration

The widespread growth of plants on Mars following ecopoiesis has often been invoked as a method of generating atmospheric oxygen. However, one issue that has been overlooked in this regard is the fact that terrestrial plants do no thrive under conditions of low oxygen tension. A review of the relevant botanical literature reveals that the high oxygen demands of root respiration could limit the introduction of most plants on Mars until after terraforming has raised the atmospheric pO2 to 20 - 100 mbar. A variety of physiological strategies are discussed which, if it is possible to implement them in a genetically engineered plant specifically designed for life on Mars, might allow this problem to be overcome.

- by Martyn Fogg
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- Astrobiology, Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming
- by Martyn Fogg
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- Colonization of Mars, Planetary Engineering, Terraforming, Ecopoiesis

Space advocates commonly compare the settling of the space "frontier" to the settling of the western "frontier" in the United States, arguing that space settlement will realize the same kinds of benefits purportedly realized by the western expansion of the United States: the generation of new cultures; the development of new technologies; and the empowerment democratic governance. However, much of the reasoning here is based on a faulty understanding of history and on an overly-optimistic view of what it will be like to live in a space settlement. Thus, ardent faith in the promises of settling the space frontier is a mythological belief, rather than a well-confirmed one.

- by James Schwartz
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- Applied Philosophy, Space Policy, Space Exploration, Space Settlement
- by Svetoslav Alexandrov
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- Space Sciences, Space Research, Colonization of Mars, Space Colonization

Even minimal or suggestive evidence for life on Mars places ethical constraints on future Mars missions. In order to conserve Mars's scientific value, the international community should tighten planetary protection protocols and ban... more

- by Ian Stoner
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- Environmental Ethics, Colonization of Mars, Planetary Protection, Space Ethics

Space resources will transform human enterprise. This practical workbook is a comprehensive treatment, packed with unique exercises, and offers an invaluable guide for start-ups, students, and space enthusiasts, who will find insights to strengthen and deepen their own capabilities. Systems are complex and architectures tie them together, requiring technical understanding, and so much more. This book will show the reader how to start a space business, appeal to legislators, interact with regulators, engage the public, and to coordinate diverse, international teams. It will allow them to gain the confidence to build, live, work, and move about in space.

- by Peter Schubert
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- Entrepreneurship, Asteroids, Systems Engineering, Lunar Science

Mars Paper detailing how to use analog mars environments

- by Taylor Becker and +1
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- Geography Of Mars, Mars, Volcanoes, Iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria
- by Kat Deerfield
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- Space Sciences, Feminist Theory, Queer Theory, History of Space Travel
- by Richard Courchesne
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- Religion, Artificial Intelligence, Stem cell and Regenerative medicine, Earth

"A brief introduction to Italian science fiction literature provides some notes on the translation of Anglo-American sf after the second world war, the assimilation of foreign models and the presence of original characteristics in Italian works.
I focus then on an example of Italian fiction about Mars, by Lino Aldani. Aldani started writing sf in 1960 and in 1963 he founded and edited one of the most important sf Italian magazines: «Futuro», with which a group of authors experimented a sf of high literary consciousness. He is one of the most translated Italian sf authors, especially in other European languages.
The short novel "Nemico invisibile" (Invisible enemy) was published in January 1963. In "Nemico invisibile" we have a human base on Mars inspired by a real project (the project presented by the engineers Botti and Manni at the X annual conference of the International Astronautical Federation, London, 1959), and there's the attempt at giving a strong role to the scientific-technological aspect. But in the novel also the human, subjective perspective is very evident and it starts to alter the version of the events. The entire novel has the shape of a journal written daily by the protagonist, and soon the Martian desert (depicted with the characteristic repertoire as a waste, red, land) becomes the screen on which the hallucinations of the protagonist can be projected. Aldani was working here on the same atmospheres that J. G. Ballard will introduce in his work from "The drowned world" on (first translated in Italy in June 1963)."

- by Giulia Iannuzzi
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- Science Fiction, Translation, Colonization of Mars, Cultural Industry