Resource utilization and site selection for a self-sufficient martian outpost
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As a planet with striking similarities to Earth, Mars is an important focus for scientific research aimed at understanding the processes of planetary evolution and the formation of our solar system. Fortunately, Mars is also a planet with abundant natural resources, including accessible materials that can be used to support human life and to sustain a self-sufficient martian outpost. Resources required include water, breathable air, food, shelter, energy, and fuel. Through a mission design based on in situ resource utilization, it becomes possible to establish a permanent outpost on Mars beginning with the first manned mission. This paper examines the potential for supporting the first manned mission with the objective of achieving self-sufficiency through well understood resource development and a program of rigorous scientific research aimed at extending that capability. The potential for initially extracting critical resources from the martian environment is examined, and the scientific investigations required to identify additional resources in the atmosphere, on the surface, and within the subsurface are discussed. The current state of knowledge regarding the planet's geomorphology is examined, particularly as it pertains to the question of finding the most valuable resource, water. The questions of scientific practicality, necessity, and feasibility are examined with respect to the concepts of resource utilization and habitability. Unmanned precursor missions, such as the Pathfinder and Mars Global Surveyor, are discussed in the context of supporting the selection of an initial landing site. Considerations are presented for determining the optimal landing site based on the best combination of the known and potential existence and accessibility of martian resources. The primary goal of achieving self-sufficiency on Mars would accelerate the development of Human colonization beyond Earth, while providing a robust and permanent martian base from which humans can explore and conduct long-term research on planetary evolution, the solar system, and life itself.
