Mars Colonization Calculator
Plan the ultimate expedition. Estimate the mass, launch frequency, and financial cost required to establish a permanent human settlement on the Red Planet.
Configure mission parameters to see the roadmap.
The Logistics of Interplanetary Life
Establishing a permanent colony on Mars is the greatest engineering challenge in human history. It's not just about getting there; it's about staying alive. The tyranny of the rocket equation means that every kilogram sent to Mars costs thousands (or millions) of dollars. Therefore, a colony must be hyper-efficient, recycling almost every atom of air and water.
Water and Oxygen: The Loop
On the International Space Station (ISS), current systems recycle about 93% of wastewater into potable water. For Mars, we need to push this closer to 99% to reduce the need for resupply missions. Oxygen is generated by splitting water via electrolysis or using MOXIE technology to extract O2 directly from the Martian CO2 atmosphere. This calculator factors in your "Recycling Efficiency" setting to determine how much raw mass you need to bring.
Launch Vehicles: The Cost Driver
The choice of rocket changes the economics entirely.
- SLS (Space Launch System): Highly reliable but expendable. Estimated cost per launch is over $2 Billion. Suitable for small, scientific outposts but unsustainable for colonization.
- Starship: Fully reusable. If successful, it promises to lower the cost to orbit to under $100/kg, making large-scale colonization financially plausible for the first time.
The 26-Month Window
Earth and Mars only align favorably for travel once every 26 months. This "Hohmann Transfer" window dictates launch schedules. A colony cannot simply order pizza; they must have enough supplies (or the ability to grow them) to last at least two years between supply drops.