Difference between revisions of "Needed explorations"
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| − | The existing knowledge about [[Mars]] is a valuable basis for planning the first [[settlement]], | + | The existing knowledge about [[Mars]] is a valuable basis for planning the first [[settlement]]. However, before the development of a settlement, ground based explorations are required. |
| − | + | ==Geology== | |
| + | The geology of Mars needs to be explored. Surfaces features and some general concentrations are known from orbital surveys. Sources of water, usable stone and concentrated mineral resources must be identified. Soil quality must be defined to create suitable foundations for settlement habitats. | ||
| + | Geological exploration is required to identify possible ore or mineral concentrations for mining. This is a prerequisite to In-Situ production and nay long term settlement using Martian tesources. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Caves== | ||
| + | The actual geometry of the Martian [[caves]] is unknown. Only the size of the entrance can be seen on photographs. If the caves are involved in settlement planning we need to know whether they are really usable or not. The exploration can be done by remote controlled machines, e.g. specialized [[:category:rovers|rovers]] with agents crawling into the caves. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Required information=== | ||
| + | *size and shape of subsurface caves | ||
| + | *geological stability | ||
| + | *internal temperature | ||
| + | *deposits of [[water]] and [[minerals]] | ||
==Wind== | ==Wind== | ||
We need more information about the [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] movements on Mars. The viability of [[wind turbine]]s strongly depend on it. Several wind sensors could be brought to the Martian surface, each in a different region. With the additional knowledge we can [[Experimental setup#wind_turbine|optimize the construction of wind turbines]]. | We need more information about the [[atmosphere|atmospheric]] movements on Mars. The viability of [[wind turbine]]s strongly depend on it. Several wind sensors could be brought to the Martian surface, each in a different region. With the additional knowledge we can [[Experimental setup#wind_turbine|optimize the construction of wind turbines]]. | ||
| − | === | + | ===Required information=== |
*strength and duration of wind | *strength and duration of wind | ||
| − | *global wind | + | *global wind patterns |
*peak wind speed | *peak wind speed | ||
*average wind speed in a Martian year for several regions | *average wind speed in a Martian year for several regions | ||
==Geothermal energy== | ==Geothermal energy== | ||
| − | Signs of liquid [[water]] | + | Signs of liquid [[water]] feed the hope of finding underground warm spots near the surface in some regions. A specialized rover can be sent to Mars to drill holes, measure temperature and determine geothermal potential. |
| + | The present [[InSight_Mission]] has shown that drilling deeply into the Martian surface will be a significant challenge. | ||
| + | |||
| − | === | + | ===Required information=== |
*location of warm spots | *location of warm spots | ||
| − | *temperature | + | *temperature at a depth of 10m, 50m and 100m in several areas. |
| Line 23: | Line 36: | ||
*[[Experimental setup]] | *[[Experimental setup]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Missions]] | + | [[Category:Exploration Missions]] |
Latest revision as of 05:56, 7 November 2023
The existing knowledge about Mars is a valuable basis for planning the first settlement. However, before the development of a settlement, ground based explorations are required.
Contents
Geology
The geology of Mars needs to be explored. Surfaces features and some general concentrations are known from orbital surveys. Sources of water, usable stone and concentrated mineral resources must be identified. Soil quality must be defined to create suitable foundations for settlement habitats. Geological exploration is required to identify possible ore or mineral concentrations for mining. This is a prerequisite to In-Situ production and nay long term settlement using Martian tesources.
Caves
The actual geometry of the Martian caves is unknown. Only the size of the entrance can be seen on photographs. If the caves are involved in settlement planning we need to know whether they are really usable or not. The exploration can be done by remote controlled machines, e.g. specialized rovers with agents crawling into the caves.
Required information
- size and shape of subsurface caves
- geological stability
- internal temperature
- deposits of water and minerals
Wind
We need more information about the atmospheric movements on Mars. The viability of wind turbines strongly depend on it. Several wind sensors could be brought to the Martian surface, each in a different region. With the additional knowledge we can optimize the construction of wind turbines.
Required information
- strength and duration of wind
- global wind patterns
- peak wind speed
- average wind speed in a Martian year for several regions
Geothermal energy
Signs of liquid water feed the hope of finding underground warm spots near the surface in some regions. A specialized rover can be sent to Mars to drill holes, measure temperature and determine geothermal potential. The present InSight_Mission has shown that drilling deeply into the Martian surface will be a significant challenge.
Required information
- location of warm spots
- temperature at a depth of 10m, 50m and 100m in several areas.
