Transport from Earth to Mars

Mars missions require the transport of equipment, material and people from Earth to Mars, and possibly back to Earth. This page wants to clarify the needed transportation volume and the proposed technology.

Preparatory Explorations

Some explorations are needed prior to the actual start of the colonization. Mostly, this will be probes to collect data, radio-transmitted to Earth. Some may, however, need to bring material from Mars to Earth for deeper analysis.

Settlement Equipment

A Martian settlement requires very much equipment, including energy generators and construction material for habitat and greenhouses. Shipping can be done

with a series of space vehicles launched from Earth or
with a big vessel assembled in Earth's orbit.

People

For colonization of Mars the colonists are traveling only one way. The journey takes at least about 6 months. During the journey the astronauts are subject to radiation, which requires means to protect them. People need to eat, drink and breath during the journey. With currently known technology only a few persons can be brought to Mars with a single ship.

Protection against radiation and artificial gravity through centrifugal force must be established in order to avoid health damage of the astronauts, although exercise is enough to prevent damage from zero-g.

Landing on Mars

Aerobreaking can be used to decelerate during approach when entering the orbit. Only small probes have touched down on the Martian surface up to now, using parachutes, balloon cushions and rockets.

A space elevator‎ might be a possible solution for large amounts of material as well as for persons. Expensive climbing technology is not necessary for landing on Mars.