Visysphere mars: Terraforming meets engineered life adaptation MSS/MSM 2005 Visysphere Mars Terraforming Meets Engineered Life Adaptation International Space University Masters Program 2005 © International Space University. All Rights Reserved. Front Cover Artwork: “From Earth to Mars via technology and life”. Connecting the two planets through engineering of technology and life itself to reach the final goal of a terraformed Mars. The Executive Summary, ordering information and order forms may be found on the ISU web site at http://www.isunet.edu/Services/library/isu_publications.htm. Copies of the Executive Summary and the Final Report can also be ordered from: International Space University Strasbourg Central Campus Parc d’Innovation 1 rue Jean-Dominique Cassini 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden France Tel. +33 (0)3 88 65 54 32 Fax. +33 (0)3 88 65 54 47 e-mail. [email protected] ii International Space University, Masters 2005 Visysphere Mars Acknowledgements ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The International Space University and the students of the Masters Program 2005 would like to thank the following people for their generous support and guidance: Achilleas, Philippe Hill, Hugh Part-Time Faculty Faculty, Space Science International Space University International Space University IDEST, Université Paris Sud, France Lapierre, Bernard Arnould, Jacques Coordinator “Ethics Applied to Special Advisor to the President Engineering” course. CNES Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal Averner, Mel Marinova, Margarita Program Manager, Fundamental Planetary Scientist Biology Research Program Office of Caltech Biological and Physical Research NASA Ames Research Center McKay, Chris Planetary Scientist, Space Science Connell, Kathleen M. NASA Ames Research Center Adjunct Faculty and Project Director NASA Ames Research Center Meyer, Tom University of Colorado DiRuggiero, Jocelyne Associate Professor, Microbiology Peeters, Walter University of Maryland Dean, Vice-President, Faculty International Space University Dula, Art Law Professor Riester, Muriel University of Houston Librarian International Space University Erickson, George F. Nanotube Engineering Tolyarenko, Nikolai Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Masters' Programs, Faculty International Space University Foing, Bernard H. Chief Scientist, Solar System Division Warwick, Kevin ESA-ESTEC, the Netherlands Professor of Cybernetics University of Reading, England Gurtuna, Ozgur Consultant and co-founder Zubrin, Robert Futuraspace President, Pioneer Astronautics President, Mars Society International Space University, Masters 2005 iii Visysphere Mars Authors AUTHORS Julio Aprea Anis Karim Industrial Engineering Medicine & Surgery ARGENTINA/SPAIN INDIA Thomas Gordon Peter Waswa Astrophysics Electrical Engineering AUSTRALIA KENYA. Steven Wathiong Shahram Ariafar Engineering Aerospace Engineering BELGIUM NORWAY Damian Rogers Catarina Oliveira Aerospace Engineering Astronomy CANADA PORTUGAL Elyse St-Cyr Bourque Diogo Rodrigues Mechanical Engineering Space Engineering CANADA PORTUGAL Teague Martis Erik Clacey Medical Science Aerospace Engineering CANADA SWEDEN Goran Basic Angelo Grubisic Robotics Aerospace Technology CROATIA U.K. Martin Heibel Luke Miller Political Sciences Physics, Space Science FRANCE U.K. Olivier Ingold Aaron Gronstal Political Sciences Molecular Biology FRANCE U.S.A. Tobias Bittner William Watson Molecular Biology Space History GERMANY U.S.A. Wendelin Michel Olathe Clark Physics Biology GERMANY U.S.A./CANADA iv International Space University, Masters 2005 Visysphere Mars Abstract ABSTRACT A new term, for the integrated systems needed to support a human society on Mars, is presented. The potential applications of nontraditional and oftentimes controversial methods are examined to support the settlement of Mars. Specifically, the authors focus on the integration and application of advanced technologies in fields like genetic engineering, biotechnology, robotics, and terraforming, before the end of the century. Short-term, economically feasible terraforming methods to change Mars into a more ‘Earthlike’ environment are described. Following this, current methods of actively adapting life to fit these new Earthlike conditions are developed into original and innovative solutions to living on Mars. These could reduce the time spans and complexity that would be involved in a complete terraforming of Mars, and ultimately result in the creation of a techno-ecosphere on Mars, while the planet is only partially terraformed. One important aspect of this study is to examine the religious, ethical, political, and legal questions that arise from this ‘blurring of lines’ between life and technology. In this way, not only how these technologies can aid in the future of space exploration is addressed, but also in which ways they can be implemented based on societal considerations. International Space University, Masters 2005 v Visysphere Mars Faculty Preface FACULTY PREFACE Three visionary graduate students, Peter H. Diamandis, Todd B. Hawley and Robert D. Richards, founded ISU on April 12, 1987. Some people believed that they were utopian optimists and that their dream of an “International Space University” was wishful thinking. However, not everybody shared this view. Visionary spirits such as Arthur C. Clarke and the late Carl Sagan appreciated the concept of a truly international university devoted exclusively to the study of space. They lent their full support to the fledgling ISU and took a special interest in its progression. It is interesting to note that both Clarke and Sagan also opened their minds to other original concepts that have been considered unrealistic, naïve or even unfashionable e.g. terraforming, which is the subject of this year’s Team Project 2 (TP2) at ISU. The concept of artificially modifying a planetary body to the extent that it can support life is currently impracticable for several reasons (technological, economic, motivational, political, etc.). However, human beings thrive on challenges, especially seemingly impossible ones! Hence, to dismiss the idea of terraforming a planet - at some point in the distant future - may be akin to dismissing humankind’s genius for conquering the apparently impossible. TP2 members have energetically tackled the complex and multifaceted issue of terraforming. In this project, compiled by 22 young men and women representing 15 countries, you will be presented with their vision of a future Martian terraforming initiative. They have considered just about everything and have respected ISU’s interdisciplinary philosophy. Not surprisingly, engineering, technology, and science are well covered. However, unlike just about every other university on the planet, their Report considers all the other pertinent issues such as ethics, law, policy, finance, management, and religion. Where else but at ISU would one see a single tome with sections on: “(Terraforming) from a Buddhist perspective”, “(Terraforming) Psycho-Social Issues”, “(Terraforming) Radiation Countermeasures via Genetic Engineering”? One could safely assert that there is something for everyone, from every country, and of every religion, in this project! Finally, may I take this opportunity of congratulating TP2 for delivering an engaging and stimulating report. Associate Professor Hugh Hill on behalf of the Resident faculty. vi International Space University, Masters 2005 Visysphere Mars Author Preface AUTHOR PREFACE We are students of either the M.Sc. in Space Studies or M.Sc. in Space Management Programs at the International Space University (ISU). We belong to different Masters Programs, but we are one class, studying together in an interdisciplinary environment, learning to view problems from multiple perspectives. This Team Project (TP) is the culmination of the efforts of a team representing 6 continents and 20 disciplines; one of the two teams the class has been divided into. The purpose of the TP is to work together, integrating our thoughts and experiences in an evocative way, while respecting our intercultural differences and embracing our commonalities; to produce an interdisciplinary report and final presentation regarding space activities. The topic assigned to the team was deliberately broad: terraforming and precursor activities. After an extensive literature review, we chose to determine how far Mars could reasonably be terraformed before the end of the century, while also looking at how Earth life could be adapted to Mars. We explored the religious and ethical perspectives on terraforming and adapting life and drafted a Mars Convention to govern activities on Mars. Since we were looking at a project on a planetary scale, we also developed a term to describe the combination of the global systems that sustain life on Earth. Working with this total system, which we call a ‘visysphere’, we did research that interested each of us individually, while maintaining a common vision and identifying potential cross-overs. Key challenges, such as the physical environment of Mars, the acquisition of funding, and the morality of genetically engineering a human were addressed. The biggest challenge was allowing each student to do research that truly interested him or her, in order to produce in-depth and original work, while still creating a well integrated report. To solve this, we have worked closely together throughout the project, developing our ideas in parallel and building on each others work. This report is not a typical road map or space mission. It is