Chris McCay describes how to terraform Mars within about one years of starting. Chris has determined that using supergreenhouse gases like C3F8 (Octafluoropropane) would warm up the atmosphere by about 40 degrees celsius and increase the pressure by 1000 times. This would enable Mars to grow plants and trees.
The terraforming analogy is that of moving down a mountain. Terraforming will reduce the coldness and increase the air pressure.
We will need to explore below the surface of Mars to confirm there is enough water, CO2 and nitrogen on Mars for this terraforming to work.
Making Mars oxygen-rich as well will be even more difficult. McCay believes the process will take 10,000 to 100,000 years using biological processes. It is only 0.01% efficient to convert solar energy when making oxygen. Using non-biological processes, we would need to leverage my concepts of self-replicating factories to make massive solar power capture and use that power for hyper-efficient oxygen generation. This would be unless we find new processes or explore and find other materials on Mars.
If we can make Mars comfortable for plants then humans would not need spacesuits but could work around in t-shirts but with an oxygen supply.
SOURCES- Mars Society Virtual Conference 2021
Written by Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
