Artist's conception of a terraformed Mars. This realistic portrayal is approximately centered on the prime meridian and 30 degrees north latitude, with the north polar cap at upper left, and a hypothesized ocean with a sea level at approximately two kilometers below average surface elevation. The ocean submerges what are now Vastitas Borealis, Acidalia Planitia, Chryse Planitia, and Xanthe Terra; the visible landmasses are Tempe Terra at left, Aonia Terra at bottom, Terra Meridiani at lower right, and Arabia Terra at upper right. Rivers that feed the ocean at lower right occupy what are now Valles Marineris and Ares Vallis, while the large lake at lower right occupies what is now Aram Chaos. (credit: Mathew Crisp).
In particular, this project will aim to provide well-sourced technical detail on these entries, drawing from the wide body of scientific and engineering research and commentary, with an emphasis on sources in peer-reviewed scientific literature; and providing context in terms of the idea of colonizing these planets in literature and the arts and as a subject of anthropological, cultural and sociological interest.
This project is focused on human colonization of space. It is not intended to cover robotic space exploration or historical manned spaceflight, or future activity analogous to historical manned spaceflight, i.e. minimal orbital space station or brief excursions to explore the Moon. Its scope begins with plans for more elaborate, hotel or hab type orbital space stations capable of permanent occupation by more than a handful of people at a time, and with plans for more elaborate human lunar expeditions capable of keeping humans on the Moon for months at a time. The scope goes up from there, to include human missions to Mars, up through terraforming, Dyson spheres, the Kardashev scale, etc.
It's important while working on this project to keep in mind Wikipedia policy: It is appropriate to report discussion and arguments about the prospects for success of future proposals and projects or whether some development will occur, provided that discussion is properly referenced. It is not appropriate for an editor to insert their own opinions or analysis, because of Wikipedia's prohibition on original research. Please keep that in mind while working on the articles.
Colonization of Titan—This one article out of the Colonization collection may be approaching a consensus to merge with Outer Solar System, at least for the time being. See discussion. (May 2006)
Planetary Society—relate subject to space colonization (October 2008)
