Future research

This page is a list of questions of interest to Mars explorers & colonists, which need further scientific study.

Martian Super-greenhouse gases

Carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) is an ideal super greenhouse gas, but eventually it will be broken down by Ultraviolet (UV) light by losing a Fluorine atom. The fluorine is HIGHLY reactive, likely combining with CO2 to form COF (which still missing a valence electron, so it will perhaps collect an H, or an OH eventually). The CF3 will eventually form another molecule such as CF3OH or CHF3.

• What is the duration of COF- in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of COFH in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of CF₃H in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of CHF₃ in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of CF₃OH in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?

Medical effects of long term exposure to 38% gravity

• What are the long term medical effects of humans or mammals living in Martian Low gravity?
• What is the minimum gravity needed to avoid long term damage?

Radiation protection for short term missions

• Any EVA is dangerous on Mars. Is the risk of filling sandbags with dirt and placing them on the top of a habitat, lower than the Radiation risk reduction from having a layer or two of sandbags above you for a ~555 day long stay?

Industrial percursors

• Is it possible for a small, low mass, machine be able to make 3D printing resin for a 3D printer out of Martian materials?