According to Robert Zubrin and public plans from NASA, Mars pre-colonization is projected to progress through three primary stages: an outpost (4-10 people), a base (100-1000 people), and Mars cities (over 10,000 people).
Outpost
During the outpost phase, the initial group of Mars explorers will be comprised of scientists and engineers. Their primary objectives will include surveying the Martian landscape to identify suitable locations for settlements and investigating the possibility of past or present life on Mars.
Current research suggests that Mars once had a warm, wet climate with rivers and oceans present on its surface for over a billion years. With liquid water believed to exist beneath the Martian surface and conditions potentially conducive to life, the likelihood of discovering life on Mars is promising.
If life is found on a planet other than Earth, it would support the notion that life is abundant throughout the universe. This paradigm shift would change our perception of ourselves and the cosmos, encouraging further investment in space exploration.
Base
The second stage involves expanding the Mars population to include early explorers and pioneers. Establishing a base capable of supporting hundreds of people necessitates developing self-sufficiency using local Martian resources.
Mars is unique in our solar system, as it is the only planet other than Earth where complex hydrological and volcanic processes have occurred. Consequently, all the elements and minerals needed to build a modern society can be found on Mars, offering advantages not present on other celestial bodies.
Exoplanetary development technologies and companies will emerge during this stage, likely becoming the second-largest space industry after rocket transportation (e.g., SpaceX).
Mars City
Establishing Mars cities requires moving beyond government and private investment to create an independent economic ecosystem that attracts immigrants.
Similar to the historical European migration to the Americas, a wage differential may develop between Mars and Earth, with higher earnings potential on Mars due to its smaller population and high transportation costs. The prospect of higher wages will draw a steady stream of immigrants, gradually reducing transportation costs over time.
Given Mars’ limited population, immigrants will likely focus on creative work rather than manual labor. Mars may become a hub for technological innovation, as its inhabitants will have strong incentives to develop new technologies to improve productivity.
Conclusion
Constructing cities on Mars holds immense significance for Earth and humanity. It demonstrates our capacity to explore and develop other planets, reminding us of the nearly infinite resources available in the universe, which can help avoid “over-optimization” on Earth.
Moreover, Mars provides a blank slate to reimagine human civilization, free from historical and traditional constraints. The resulting developments from this new branch of humanity on Mars can inspire reflection and re-evaluation of our identity as a young species.
This underscores the infinite value of space exploration.
Occupy Mars
According to Robert Zubrin and public plans from NASA, Mars pre-colonization is projected to progress through three primary stages: an outpost (4-10 people), a base (100-1000 people), and Mars cities (over 10,000 people).
Outpost
During the outpost phase, the initial group of Mars explorers will be comprised of scientists and engineers. Their primary objectives will include surveying the Martian landscape to identify suitable locations for settlements and investigating the possibility of past or present life on Mars.
Current research suggests that Mars once had a warm, wet climate with rivers and oceans present on its surface for over a billion years. With liquid water believed to exist beneath the Martian surface and conditions potentially conducive to life, the likelihood of discovering life on Mars is promising.
If life is found on a planet other than Earth, it would support the notion that life is abundant throughout the universe. This paradigm shift would change our perception of ourselves and the cosmos, encouraging further investment in space exploration.
Base
The second stage involves expanding the Mars population to include early explorers and pioneers. Establishing a base capable of supporting hundreds of people necessitates developing self-sufficiency using local Martian resources.
Mars is unique in our solar system, as it is the only planet other than Earth where complex hydrological and volcanic processes have occurred. Consequently, all the elements and minerals needed to build a modern society can be found on Mars, offering advantages not present on other celestial bodies.
Exoplanetary development technologies and companies will emerge during this stage, likely becoming the second-largest space industry after rocket transportation (e.g., SpaceX).
Mars City
Establishing Mars cities requires moving beyond government and private investment to create an independent economic ecosystem that attracts immigrants.
Similar to the historical European migration to the Americas, a wage differential may develop between Mars and Earth, with higher earnings potential on Mars due to its smaller population and high transportation costs. The prospect of higher wages will draw a steady stream of immigrants, gradually reducing transportation costs over time.
Given Mars’ limited population, immigrants will likely focus on creative work rather than manual labor. Mars may become a hub for technological innovation, as its inhabitants will have strong incentives to develop new technologies to improve productivity.
Conclusion
Constructing cities on Mars holds immense significance for Earth and humanity. It demonstrates our capacity to explore and develop other planets, reminding us of the nearly infinite resources available in the universe, which can help avoid “over-optimization” on Earth.
Moreover, Mars provides a blank slate to reimagine human civilization, free from historical and traditional constraints. The resulting developments from this new branch of humanity on Mars can inspire reflection and re-evaluation of our identity as a young species.
This underscores the infinite value of space exploration.