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
Growing Food on Mars: ISRU Part 4
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 »Growing Food on Mars: ISRU Part 4
Generating Energy on Mars: ISRU Part 3
Access to energy is arguably the most important indicator of a civilization’s development. On Mars, generating energy can mean the difference between life and death – not only is it necessary to power life support systems, but it is also… Read More »Generating Energy on Mars: ISRU Part 3
Construction Materials on Mars: ISRU Part 2
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 »Construction Materials on Mars: ISRU Part 2
How to Make Fuel, Oxygen, and Water on Mars: ISRU Part 1
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 »How to Make Fuel, Oxygen, and Water on Mars: ISRU Part 1