Future research

This page is a list of questions of interest to Mars explorers & colonists, which need further scientific study.

Martian Super-greenhouse gases

Carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) is an ideal super greenhouse gas, but eventually it will be broken down by Ultraviolet (UV) light by losing a Fluorine atom. The fluorine is HIGHLY reactive, likely combining with CO2 to form COF (which still missing a valence electron, so it will perhaps collect an H, or an OH eventually). The CF3 will eventually form another molecule such as CF3OH or CHF3.

• What is the duration of COF- in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of COFH in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of CF₃H in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of CHF₃ in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?
• What is the duration of CF₃OH in the Martian atmosphere, and its relative warming number?

All of these molecules are unstable in UV light, and may further decay. What are the decay products, their expected lifetimes, and their relative warming factors?

Likewise, larger molecules such as C2F6, or C3F8 will have super greenhouse gas fragments, so the lifetime & relative warming of their fragments could be studied.

Medical effects of long term exposure to 38% gravity

• What are the long term medical effects of humans or mammals living in Martian Low gravity?
• What is the minimum gravity needed to avoid long term damage?

Radiation protection for short term missions

• Any EVA is dangerous on Mars. Is the risk of filling sandbags with dirt and placing them on the top of a habitat, lower than the Radiation risk reduction from having a layer or two of sandbags above you for a ~555 day long stay?

Industrial percursors

• Is it possible for a small, low mass, machine be able to make 3D printing resin for a 3D printer out of Martian materials?