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> galactic cosmic radiation in particular is the single biggest risk factor in going to Mars

Sorry, I was unclear. It’s absolutely an issue going to Mars. It isn’t front and centre on Mars.

It is, though. It's about half as bad on Mars (since the planet physically blocks half the sky) but it remains a showstopper. And trying to shield against it runs you into the problem of getting heavy construction equipment to Mars, plus you run afoul of rules against contamination that we're bound by international treaty to follow, including a ban on digging.

Lol - let’s have a Mars colony without digging.

> rules against contamination that we're bound by international treaty to follow, including a ban on digging

Is this OST related? Or Mars specific?

It's the Outer Space Treaty as interpreted by COSPAR, which has introduced concepts (like Special Regions) that are unique to Mars. One Special Region is defined as anything more than 5m underground.

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