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Use of Martian resources in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)
1Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This paper explores crew life support options for Mars missions, focusing on utilizing Martian resources. It examines possibilities for establishing bases and supporting human presence on the Red Planet.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrobiology
- Space Exploration
Background:
- Mars exploration is a key goal for understanding Solar System origins and Earth's history.
- Manned missions to Mars are becoming increasingly feasible with advancements like Space Station Freedom.
- Exobiologists are interested in Mars for evidence of pre-biological activity and potential ecosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore various possibilities for crew life support systems on Mars.
- To investigate the utilization of Martian resources for life support materials.
- To inform the development of scenarios for crewed Mars missions and base establishment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing and proposed life support technologies.
- Analysis of potential Martian resources (e.g., water ice, atmospheric gases).
- Conceptualization of resource utilization strategies for sustaining human presence.
Main Results:
- Identification of key Martian resources suitable for life support.
- Assessment of the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for oxygen, water, and propellant production.
- Evaluation of different life support system architectures tailored to Martian conditions.
Conclusions:
- Utilizing Martian resources is crucial for sustainable and cost-effective crewed missions.
- In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) can significantly reduce the logistical burden of Mars exploration.
- Further research and development are needed to optimize life support systems for long-term human presence on Mars.
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