This part of Forum focuses on resources gain and recycling. We see 3 major resource origins: in situ, Earth import and asteroid mining. In situ gain may further on be spread into mining and processing and recycling. Both will require technical infrastructure, transportation facilities. We think those mostly must be located outside the city premises (raised cost of energy) to be properly developed. For sake of proper identification of economic impact, city media usage, space taken by those groups of objects, jobs typology, people’s flow analysis, etc., we believe they must be elaborated at least in a basic level to answer those questions. We understand also that resource mining and processing may the base of economy of future Mars colony. Therefore, not only a basic study on possible production capabilities must be conducted, but also influence on society, work time, people flow and communication capabilities. We see that mining and heavy industry may be located away from the city, wherever the resources are available. Light industry including recycling would be better to place in city’s close proximity. We propose to define term of heavy and light industry. In our opinion some of the branches normally considered on Earth as heavy may be considered as light in Martian conditions. Asteroid mining can be a good way to gain rare materials rather than a massive scale yield. Anyway, it will require additional on ground facilities to land it, process and transport. The cost, although reduced by gravity conditions, may be too significant to consider this industry a basic supply for the city. Earth support we see as only a luxury goods import. Definition of a luxury good is also yet to be discussed. What occurs to be typical good to citizen on Earth, may have a killing-worth value on mars (in terms of physical goods at least). The scope of this theme is a proposal only. We are happy to extend it. Should you have other suggestions, answers or questions - please write a post! Let’s build together our city on Mars. S.A.M.

We understand that the technical ideas of massive energy gain are well spread. We neither claim to give any final answers nor technical solution. Nevertheless some of features may influence the layout of the city and its facilities – so we find worth separating the subject. The most common thought on energy gain in outer space is use of Sun. Lacking of possible heavy construction materials we turn towards our star. But this type of energy gain has proven to be ineffective on large scale - especially on Mars - 2 times more distant, gaining less than 60% (at its best performance) of Earth’s power. Such conditions require bigger photovoltaic farms working in dusty conditions, with possibility of 2-3 month periods of full blackout. In our opinion it is not a very reliable solution. Complementary and even more efficient proposal, may be an orbital solar panel station with microwave beams may be more efficient. Such system on Earth is considered to be very expensive, but in terms of asteroids close proximity (material resource) it may be relevant on Mars. Anyway, we think that more efficient energy sources must be installed to provide proper work of all life support systems and facilities. Solar energy may be used as a auxiliary backup system, rather than major energy origin. We would like to discuss the possibility to install a nuclear plants (in fact: low energy nuclear reactions plants) , geothermal stations and windmill grids. What can be the size and location requirements? We propose to examine and create simplified models of energy source types, define their location constrains, pros and cons. How those solutions will influence city location, shape? What is the best energy storage? Please also refer to City Media part of the Forum – where we examine more prosaic subjects as: energy distribution methods, billing are discussed. Those may have a great influence on of massive power gain, as the life proved that not always the most efficient method is the best one. The scope of this theme is a proposal only. We are happy to extend it. Should you have other suggestions, answers or questions - please write a post! Let’s build together our city on Mars. S.A.M.

The goal of this theme is to discuss form of society and psychological issues, that may arise in hostile, closed environment. We also aim to define major society divisions, class definition depending on economical, political, responsibility factors. Are we going to observe a low class of workers (in distant future probably we will do so) run by a few higher ranking representatives of local government? What would be the role of temporary citizens – are they going to be a majority for first 50-100 years, until long term citizens will evolve? What might be the force for people for them to decide on longer stay or even settle down on Mars. Are we going to face Stanford Prison Experiment divisions - with breathable air control and limitations/ What can be done to avoid such extreme situations? The scope of this theme is a proposal only. We are happy to extend it. Should you have other suggestions, answers or questions - please write a post! Let’s build together our city on Mars. S.A.M.