Posted on 05/26/2025 7:22:08 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
The first colonization landing on Mars will need to entirely crewless.
First off, a large photovoltaic array (probably a number of smaller but still large ones) will have to set itself up to run everything else.
Second will be autonomous landscaping vehicles to bulldoze a flat area surrounded by a protective dyke.
Next a bag style greenhouse; the watering will require local water (eh? ;^) and trickle irrigation.
Autonomous boring machines will be needed to construct habitats in adjacent hills.
And whatever machinery needed to collect or synthesize methane fuel for return trips will have to sited near needed resources.
That mission needs to be done during the next launch window (I think they're two years apart) before the first probably crewless return. Time's a wastin'. :^)
NASA removes ESCAPADE from inaugural New Glenn launch
Jeff Foust
September 6, 2024
https://spacenews.com/nasa-removes-escapade-from-inaugural-new-glenn-launch/
The SpaceX screen for this sez “Starting 6:50 PM”
Well, that was a great big bag of flaming poo, eh?
Countdown to launch is around the 45 minute mark on this replay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_z8ZjExrVI
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