Among the planets in our Solar System, Mars is the closest to Earth in terms of
distance and similarity. However, current environmental conditions on its surface are
hostile to any life form. While it provides enough space for sheltered, enclosed
settlements, the final goal should be terraforming the Red Planet, which is perfectly
achievable at our current technological level.
Terraformation consists of two stages. Ecosynthesis (creating conditions for microbial
life) can be accomplished within a century, by a synergistic approach using nuclear
blasts, greenhouse gasses, orbital mirrors, thermal aquifer drilling, directed asteroidal
impacts, etc., Caeliformation (creating a breathable atmosphere for humans) would take
several centuries, involving the controlled introduction of terrestrial life forms and
atmospheric conversion through photosynthesis. Even after that, a continuous effort
would be required to ensure habitability in the long term.
Keywords: Caeliforming, Ecosynthesis, Mars, Microbial colonization, Photosynthesis, Terraforming, Warming.
