Mars: Economic Analysis of Constructing Sustainable Open-Air Human Settlements in The Martian Environment

Kartik Hegadekatti

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: With a high surface radiation, very low and fluctuating temperature and a windy but thin atmosphere, Mars seems an inhospitable place. The dangers on the Martian surface entail that humans stay within indoors habitats on Mars. But it may be possible to build open air settlements on Mars where a direct connection to the Martian atmosphere is feasible. In such a scenario, humans may be able to inhabit Mars with minimal external protection like pressurized suits. For this to happen, humans need to be in atmospheric conditions similar to that on Earth. To achieve these results we need to excavate deep into the Martian crust to depths where air pressures will be sufficient to allow humans to survive without pressurized suits. The paper discusses about the various aspects and economic analysis of such an exercise. The hurdles for implementing this plan are also analyzed. The paper concludes by summarizing the feasibility, benefits and difficulties in undertaking such an activity.

Keywords: mars; space; colonization; mining; open air habitat; greenhouse (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F02 L72 P28 P48 Q01 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017-03-18
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-env
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pra:mprapa:82864

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