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Coming back isn't required if the goal were to create a settlement on mars.

• hugh3 15y ago
  Creating a self-sustaining settlement, though, is even harder than creating a return rocket. As a first step we should see if we can create a self-sustaining colony in Antarctica.
  • deleted 15y ago
    [deleted]
  • rbanffy 15y ago
    A self-sustaining settlement on Mars is not that difficult. Mars is not nearly as barren as the Moon.
    • JabavuAdams 15y ago
      Creating a self-sustaining colony anywhere is hard. Especially, if it has to work the first time.
      • rbanffy 15y ago
        You can stockpile supplies before humans get there. It doesn't have to self-sustain for as long as the supplies last. You can also send machinery to extract materials from the environment.