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Robert Zubrin published a detailed plan for generating rocket fuel on Mars several years ago. His book "The Case for Mars" is a good read.

Such a technology really is a game changer for the economics of the mission. And you can send your robotic fuel factory and make sure it's working before you commit to launching people.

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I've actually got that book in my collection and you're right, it is a good read.

The idea of producing rocket fuel on Mars is not only a good one, but quite likely the only way such a mission would even be viable. The idea of hauling all that extra rocket fuel for the return trip to Mars and back simply doesn't work.

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