Mysteries of Mars
Can we endure Martian isolation? Can we survive Martian gravity? Can we build with Martian soil? Can we access Martian water? An analysis of the ‘Mysteries of Mars’ suggests that we can! Infographic by Ryan Mintz
ISRU
Mars – In Situ Resource Utilization
Both Electrolysis and the Sabatier reaction can be readily used to convert resources that already exist on Mars into the energy and substances that we will need to sustain communities there. Infographic by MSC volunteer, Ryan Mintz
ISRU Part IV: How to Grow Food on Mars
Header image: NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor harvests kale and lettuce from the Veggie (Vegetable Production System) experiment on the International Space Station (ESA/Alexander Gerst) “‘They say once you grow crops somewhere, you have officially colonized it. So, technically, I colonized Mars.… Read More »ISRU Part IV: How to Grow Food on Mars
ISRU Part III: How to Generate Energy on Mars
Access to energy is arguably the most important indicator of a civilization’s development. On Mars, having access to energy can mean the difference between life and death – not only is it necessary to power life support systems, but it… Read More »ISRU Part III: How to Generate Energy on Mars
ISRU Part II: How to Make Construction Materials on Mars
In Part I, we discussed making the essentials for life on Mars: fuel, oxygen, and water. After the initial exploration phase, the construction of permanent settlements and structures will begin to become a priority. When humanity settles Mars, Martian architects… Read More »ISRU Part II: How to Make Construction Materials on Mars
ISRU Part I: How to Make Fuel, Oxygen, and Water on Mars
Of the plethora of acronyms in Mars exploration circles, one in particular forms the cornerstone of many Mars and Moon exploration plans: In-Situ Resource Utilization, or ISRU. It is key to establishing a permanent human presence beyond Earth, and both… Read More »ISRU Part I: How to Make Fuel, Oxygen, and Water on Mars