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| − | The foundation of an '''Autonomous Colony''' on another cosmic body is one of the most challenging tasks for humanity. Though it requires enormous effort, the goal to expand the influence of mankind throughout the [[Solar system]] is worthwhile. This [[motivation]] has several aspects. This page covers general issues of an autonomous colony on [[Mars]].
| + | #REDIRECT [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony]] |
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| − | What is an autonomous colony? The main attribute is [[independence from Earth]]. Once the colony is set up, it provides a [[habitat]] for settlers on the long run, hopefully forever.
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| − | The second attribute is a planned and indefinitely stable colony that can thrive from [[local resources]]. Unlike a [[mission with planned death]] the settlers in an autonomous colony have a future for themselves and for their Mars-born [[children]].
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| − | ==Technological issues==
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| − | [[Bringing down Phobos]] before a [[settlement]] is built may help to make [[Mars]] safe for the long term.
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| − | The [[Transport from Earth to Mars|transport of colonists from Earth to Mars]] is a very complicated part of the plan. There are many threats inherent to space travel: [[Solar Radiation|Solar]] & [[Cosmic Radiation|Cosmic]] Radiation, [[Meteorites]], Physical & Mental Illness, etc. Plans will need to be made to deal with every possible problem.
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| − | Since people can not live in the natural [[environmental conditions|environment]] a basic artificial [[habitat]] with [[house]]s, supplies and equipment for a long term stay would be deposited on Mars' surface. The [[equipment for autonomous growth|equipment must be technologically sufficient]] to allow the colonists to grow their own [[food]], build new houses, etc.
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| − | There are many uncertainties about the impact of the Martian environment. The equipment would be tested on [[Earth]] thoroughly, but the influence of the Martian environment cannot be understood completely on Earth. The safest way is an [[unmanned setup of a whole settlement]] by an automated and remote controlled machinery.
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| − | [[Energy]] is the most critical resource. It is needed for lighting and heating of [[greenhouse]]s, for [[metallurgy]] and production of machines. [[The critical path]] is the generation of enough energy for the production of spare parts for the energy generating systems and greenhouses. In other words: If the energy generating systems and greenhouses can not be maintained endlessly with the amount of energy they produce, an autonomous colony is not feasible.
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| − | ==Organizational Issues==
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| − | The preparation cost for a mission like this is tremendous. A [[financial effort estimation]] helps to get an overview.
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| − | Within a small group of colonists, a daily council of all members may be sufficient to address the needs of governance, much in the tradition of the New England town hall meetings. In a growing community some kind of representative [[democracy]] may become necessary.
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| − | As the number of members in a martian [[population]] grows, so will the number of deaths. It will become necessary to conduct [[funeral]]s.
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| − | ==Medical Issues==
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| − | ===Quarantine===
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| − | Before heading for Mars any crew is [[quarantine|quarantined]] to ensure they do not suffer from infectious diseases. As a result, the martian colony should be more or less free from pathogenic [[microbes|germs]], which saves medical effort. However, for children born on Mars an even more effective [[vaccination|vaccination program]] will be necessary to stimulate the development of Mars-born [[immune system]]s.
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| − | ===Inbreeding===
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| − | The size of the human population must not be too small due to the risk of [[inbreeding depression]].
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| − | ===Cancer===
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| − | Increased exposure to [[radiation]] may increase the incidence of cancer. Colonists will need shielding from radiation during [[transport from Earth to Mars]] and on Mars' surface, due to the thin [[atmosphere]] and lack of a planetary [[magnetosphere]].
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| − | ==Open Issues==
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| − | *Can there be enough energy generated, necessary for infinite maintenance?
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| − | *What is the public attitude to such a foundation?
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| − | {{SettlementIndex}}
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| − | {{Featured_red_ring}}
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| − | [[Category:Concepts]]
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| − | [[Category:Manned Missions]]
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| − | [[Category:Settlements]]
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