Interesting discussion. However, don't we first need to figure out how to land on Mars first before we even worry about staying for extended periods of time? I remember reading that the amount needed to land on Mars for Human missions is some 40 times heavier than Curiosity. Nothing we have today is feasible.
Back on topic, I think the most sensible solution is simply landing living pods on the surface.
Quote from: Khadgars on 06/26/2013 01:10 amInteresting discussion. However, don't we first need to figure out how to land on Mars first before we even worry about staying for extended periods of time? I remember reading that the amount needed to land on Mars for Human missions is some 40 times heavier than Curiosity. Nothing we have today is feasible.Those who want to do something find a way. Those who don't, find an excuse. This is one of the more weaker excuses.QuoteBack on topic, I think the most sensible solution is simply landing living pods on the surface.That'd be the slowest possible way.
I'm not following you. What excuse was presented?
Quote from: Khadgars on 06/26/2013 01:28 amI'm not following you. What excuse was presented? Oh, you weren't presenting the challenge of landing larger masses on Mars as some sort of insurmountable problem that suggests this entire thread is pointless?Okay then, carry on.
Quote from: QuantumG on 06/26/2013 01:35 amQuote from: Khadgars on 06/26/2013 01:28 amI'm not following you. What excuse was presented? Oh, you weren't presenting the challenge of landing larger masses on Mars as some sort of insurmountable problem that suggests this entire thread is pointless?Okay then, carry on.Ah yes I forgot about the sheer snarkiness on these threads. But you are right, such discussions are not pointless and that is not what I meant. My point was, how do you plan to land such mass on the surface of Mars when we have 7 minutes of terror for a small, 1 ton rover? Perfectly viable question for this thread and no need to be insulted by it.
ISRU could have been going for quite some time, proving and validating itself in the field, before humans actually arrive to consume anything.
Just to be clear, there's no return flight in the Mars One concept.
If you wanted to create a lot of living space quickly why not send a TBM in pieces of course.
Quote from: Patchouli on 06/26/2013 04:43 pmIf you wanted to create a lot of living space quickly why not send a TBM in pieces of course.For the same reason TBMs aren't used here for anything but special tunnel applications. They are very heavy, complex, expensive and make sense only if the goal is to drill a long tunnel. Pits, caverns and what not are blasted using conventional ways.general question: what is know about Martian bedrock? Are there some special features that make it more difficult/easier to dig/drill/blast than on Earth.
Forgive a (Mars) newbie question, how do you find caves or lava tubes suitable (eg stable, good size, in a desirable location) for a settlement? Seems like a needle in a haystack type problem?Can this be done do remote or robotic survey, or would the first settlers live in structures sent from Earth and search for them once on Mars?
There's quite a bit on this subject on the net; example:http://www.space.com/18519-mars-caves-lava-tubes-photos.html
how do you find caves or lava tubes suitable (eg stable, good size, in a desirable location) for a settlement?