[mvpel]

The tasks for a Mars mission are more challenging. A robotic factory would be sent ahead to make fuel for the astronauts' return trip. Water would have to be efficiently recycled for two and a half years.

Actually, no - water is a byproduct of the fuel production process, the Sabatier reaction:
Mars In Situ Resource Utilization

[Frank_Discussion]

So many journalists miss this - water is by-product of many, if not most, hydrocarbon reactions. The more hydrocarbons we make (on Moon or Mars) the more water we have. The more water we have, the more oxygen we have, if we need it.

Once we get out into space and force ourself to stay, the easier it will turn out to be to get the necessities.

[Centurion2000]

bump