The Mars Society intends to build such a base as its first major project. Click on image for larger view. Society Mars Direct Charts Click on any image for larger scale image. All three paintings are by Robert Murray. First Human Base on the Red Planet using the Mars Direct Plan.
Ares launch vehicle definition.
Mars Direct hardware can also be used to build a lunar base. More Mars Direct Charts - Click on image for clear large chart. After checking out its systems, the crew embarks on the final leg of their journey in the now familiar Mars habitat. This familiarity will pay off in terms of increased crew safety and reduced program costs. After the habitats are joined, the six crew members have multiple pressurized volumes available for conducting greenhouse experiments, biological research, geochemical analysis of samples, and general crew accommodations.