Colonization of Mars

Abstract

Mars has long been the ultimate goal for human space exploration.  This paper will compile research objectives relevant to a Martian presence in an attempt to create a coherent justification for human expeditions to Mars. It will organize these objectives in a balanced human spaceflight architecture driven by a platform of research objectives inclusive of engineering research, pathfinding for commercial operations, and scientific research domains.  It will then propose a Martian campaign that allocates sufficient manpower, surface stay time, and equipment to accomplish these objectives.  Finally, it will demonstrate how such a campaign is not an Apollo-reminiscent “flag, footprints, and forget about it” venture but is instead a preparation for a relevant, long-term human endeavor on Mars, including linkage of initial Mars exploration to continued exploration of the planet and additional human exploration further into the solar system.