The Red Planet

Abstract

Among the planets in our Solar System, Mars is the closest to Earth in terms of distance and similarity. However, current environmental conditions on its surface are hostile to any life form. While it provides enough space for sheltered, enclosed settlements, the final goal should be terraforming the Red Planet, which is perfectly achievable at our current technological level. Terraformation consists of two stages. Ecosynthesis (creating conditions for microbial life) can be accomplished within a century, by a synergistic approach using nuclear blasts, greenhouse gasses, orbital mirrors, thermal aquifer drilling, directed asteroidal impacts, etc., Caeliformation (creating a breathable atmosphere for humans) would take several centuries, involving the controlled introduction of terrestrial life forms and atmospheric conversion through photosynthesis. Even after that, a continuous effort would be required to ensure habitability in the long term.

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