Problems and solutions
Where a problem arises, a solution it needed. This page lists all major problems and solutions for the establishment of a Martian settlement.
Contents
Rocketry to transport humans to Mars
Problem: Today there is no booster capable of launching the trip. Not only the weight of a few persons, but also the life support system and a stock pile of food needs to be lifted into LEO and to Mars.
Possible solutions:
Landing several transport vehicles nearby on the Martian surface
Problem: Several supply missions are necessary to bring all the stuff to the settlement's location. Exact landing is difficult, so all landings will be done in a safe distance from the others. We don't know how we'll move the modules around on Mars.
Possible solutions:
- Every lander is equipped with the ability to do another hop by firing it's rockets again after the primary touch down. The fuel for this is either brought from Earth or produced locally from the Martian atmosphere.
- Every lander is equipped with wheels and can be steered towards the settlement.
- The landers are carried by a settlement's rover. This is what Mars One plans.
Energy
Problem: The settlement needs large amounts of energy for heating and for food production.
Possible solutions: (Please see the main article about energy.)
Food
Problem: The settlers can not rely on food shipments from Earth, because this is too expensive on the long run.
Possible solutions: (Please see the main article about food.)
