One-Way Human Settlement Projects

Instead of bringing a crew to Mars and getting them back after several months, a manned one-way mission is considered. The crew stays on Mars without any planned return concept.

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Possible scenarios

Mission with planned death

The crew is brought to Mars with a certain amount of supplies (food, oxygen, etc.) that lasts, let's say, a year. When they run out of supplies they die and the mission is over. There are plenty of volunteers for such a mission, for some people consider it an honor worth dying for to be the first on Mars. No government will finance such a mission because governments do not consider it an honor to send people needlessly to their deaths.

Foundation of an Earth-supported colony

The crew is brought to Mars with a certain amount of supplies (food, oxygen, etc.) that lasts, let's say, a year. Early before they run out of supplies they receive replenishment from earth. A constant logistic maintains the colony indefinitely.

Foundation of an autonomous colony

People are brought to Mars not before a basic artificial habitat with houses, supplies and equipment for a long term stay has been deposited on Mars' surface. The equipment is technologically sufficient to allow the settlers to grow their own food, extend their settlement etc.

NASA's plans

In October 2010 the NASA Ames Research Center Director Pete Worden has announced the Hundred Year Starship initiative. It is about the establishment of a permanent Earth-supported colony and the step-by-step development to a self-sustaining colony. Departure is thought to be in 2030.

See Also

• List of current missions