The idea of colonialismš¯†©has been propelling humanity since the dawn of civilization. First dated back to the 15th century, when many European countries had mastered sea navigation and developed the desire the discover and conquer new territories, Western Colonialism had become a major political and economic phenomenon. For many years this idea gave us the Passion to explore and discover, and 21st century scientists have found a new frontier...Mars. Though scientists have found this to be quite difficult. In its current state, mars is not a habitable planet for humans. It has reduced light levels, approximately 59% and low gravity levels (38% of earths). Also with an atmospheric pressure about 100 times lower than earths and an average temperature of -63°C compared to earth’s 14°C , mars can only be habitable through terraforming.
Many theories for terraforming mars suggest importing compounds such as hydrocarbon and ammonia. Ammonia and other hydrocarbons such as methane can be used to trap heat in the Martian atmosphere. This is known as the greenhouse effect. Though this may seem like a probable solution, since it is a light gas it would be released into space. Other theories suggest the use of a magnetic shield. NASA scientist Jim Green first proposed the idea of a magnetic dipole field between the sun and the planet. This would theoretically stop the solar winds and allow frozen carbon dioxide at the poles to change state and warm the equator. However the magnetic field must be able to sustain 50,000nT comparable to earth's radius.
Though it may be far off, scientists have also begun thinking of the buildings and the required resources to build a sustaining civilization in the Martian terrain. Companies such as Boeing and SpaceX have begun research such as the reusable rocket for the commercial sector of the Mars mission. The 21st century space race has only just started!
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