Mars Base

Likely initiated by SpaceX, Mars will have a permanent human presence, including scientists, robotics engineers and tourists.

Significant innovations in autonomous robotic mining systems were required before the first human set foot on Mars. Autonomous mining robots mine for and create water. Autonomous robots also extract hydrogen from the water to create hydrogen-based fuel. And satellites containing solar panels orbit Mars provide energy to the Mars base as well.

The satellites around Mars will have long-range capabilities, connecting via a quantum network to Earth. Smartphones will be modified to connect to this network.

This base will soon be expanded with additional facilities providing more energy, food production, recycling systems, mining equipment, and other tools. Vehicles are supplied as well, enabling scientists to roam hundreds of miles. More sophisticated long-term bases are now being planned to accommodate larger teams of personnel, tourists, and corporate interests.

The habitat modules are constructed partially underground, giving protection from the Sun's ultraviolet rays. Radiation-absorbing materials based on nanotechnology are also used in spacesuits and the exterior of vehicles. These same materials block particles of dust, providing long-term protection against the environment outside.

Mars colonization is profitable because of the sales of intellectual property rights to Earth, the mining for valuable metals on Mars, and the ongoing mining of asteroids in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

A space elevator will be built more likely on one of Mars' moons, to be used as a platform for outgoing and incoming spacecraft.

A long term plan is created and the seeds of terraforming are sewn.