brambojr

I forgot to mention that with a space elevator supplies could be brought to orbit and beyond at pennies on the dollar compared to present technology.

I know it sounds far fetched, but in 50 years we really should have at least one space elevator on Earth (politics and environmental concerns, aside). With that we should be able to sling shot elevators (supplies, people, etc) to destinations of our choosing within the solar system. That said, why can't solar captured in orbit and electricity sent down the elevator to power the station below? These elevators would have to be located at or very near the equator to maintain geo-syncronous orbit. More than one could be used on any planet (or moon) and these elevators could be linked at GEO (geosynchoronous orbit height). While nothing is certain yet has anyone looked into a future after we figure out Carbon nanotubes?? Things will be much lighter and stronger, filters better and cheaper . . . of course the advantage they will give in computing may be surpassed by quantum computing in 50 years . . . Take a look. Google Space elevator and then google carbon nanotubes - checking them at google news might help . . . Water would be a concern at the equator (But I sure don't want to be near the poles on Mars . . .) perhaps you can pay for supply shipments from Earth - we have water to spare. Conservation would still be an issue. Water would need to have a hefty premium. Lack of adequate funding for structures would result in increased need for air and water . . .