Interplanetary commerce

A successful business model will be the key to a thriving colony, so that more people and resources can be afforded.

Initial business models could resemble those similar to the ones used by many small nations, such as the Vatican, Monaco, San Marino, and some Pacific islands. Like the first Martian settlements, these nations cannot rely on large pools of labor, infrastructure, or abundant natural resources.

Information Services

Offworld Backup

Offsite backup is a vital aspect of data security for any business. It ensures data backup in the event of natural disasters. No location could be more offsite than Mars!

Internet Domain Sale

People could buy the .mars domain.

Consultancy

Established colonies can advise governments and corporations in their own exploration/colonization efforts.

Financial Services

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Science

Scientific Lease

A settlement can lease space and sell resources to governments or institutions that want to send their scientists to Mars. Alternately,

Research for Hire

Skilled settlers could be paid to do scientific research.

Hazardous Research Facility

An irradiated near-vacuum environment is a near-perfect biological barrier . Any facility would necessarily be isolated from the colony, of course. It would be the perfect location for biotechnology research without the risk to terrestrial life.

Consumer Goods and Services

Tourism

Certain people with a lot of money have historically been interested in Space Tourism, even when there are significant risks.

Licensed Merchandise

While Mars itself cannot be trademarked, likenesses of the settlement/settlers could be. Possibilities include stamps, coins, playsets, etc. First colonists would likely gain celebrity status. These goods would be manufactured on Earth, due to the cost savings.

Commercial Sponsorship

Companies may pay to place a logo on a wall, use "the official << insert commercial product here >> of Mars" in advertising.

Genetic Legacy

Ensure your genetic legacy by sending your sperm/eggs/embryos to Mars. Having descendants on two worlds is more secure.

Real Estate

Land Speculation

While historically not the most respectable business, an actual presence on Mars lends much more credibility to the transaction.

Martian Cemetery

People might pay to have their ashes buried on Mars.

See Also

Lunarpedia Business Ideas^lunarp Many of these ideas also apply to a martian settlement.