Energy

Energy is one of the main needs to survive on Mars.

So many of the basic thing on Earth we all take for granted are at the end of a vastly power intesence processes to even create the raw materials ready for refining and then even more energy to manufacture. If man is ever to settle even a small base on Mars, vast amounts of energy for In Situ resource utilization (ISRU) is going to be required.

Currently probes sent to mars use Solar panels or radioisotope power systems (RPS) using Plutonium-238(Pu-238) has long been used by NASA in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert the heat produced by radioactive decay of the isotope into electrical power.

Initially to meet power needs the use of radioisotope power systems is looking to be the best solution such as NASA's KiloPower using Uranium-235 , So that solar panels can be manufacture on Mars, useful even with its relatively modest power potential. Interestingly China has just developed a new nuclear power source for its upcoming lunar base 100 times more powerful than NASA's.

An even more limited source may even be wind power only feasible on Mars during dust storms so could help while solar is limited.

Medium term geothermal(Areothermal on Mars) power can be used for electricity as there is some evidence that some of Mars's volcanoes are still active..

To manufacture Solar Panels carbon and hydrogen is needed to produce the pure crystalline silicon required for producing solar photovoltaic panels and other electronics.

Silicon production is an energy intensive process. On Earth High-purity silicon is produced from quartz sand in an arc furnace at very high temperatures.

Mirrors could be useful addition to manufacture from aluminium and glass as they not only can they be used to increase the efficiency of the solar cells but also for reflecting light energy into the underground habitats and food production locations.

One day Large orbital mirrors could reflect sunlight and heat to the Mars surface.