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Mars Outpost is a concept for a human base on the planet Mars that was developed by the United States in the 1980s. [1] The components and design were based on an earlier lunar test bed outpost. [1] Development would go through several phases over four years, from an 'Emplacement Phase' to a 'Consolidation Phase', after which full use by its crew could commence. [1] Components of the base would include a habitat module, pressurized rover dock/equipment lock, airlocks, and a 16 meters (17 yards) constructed habitat. [1] The 16 m habitat would be constructed in situ . [1] Other technology for the base design includes a meteorological balloon, unpressurized rover, storage/work area, an area for geophysical experiments, and an area antenna. [1] The Mars Outpost would be designed for a crew of six to eight astronauts. [2] Their main tasks would be to do research on mining of Mars and Phobos, life sciences, technology, and Solar System exploration. [1] The Office of Space Exploration did case studies that include establishing a human presence on another planet in 1988 and 1989. [3] An objective of the Mars Evolution 1989 study was, "Emplace a permanent, largely self-sufficient outpost on the surface of Mars." [4]
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The base had three main phases called Emplacement, Consolidation, and Utilization. [5]