科学家认为，近期技术进展使火星改造从纯理论概念转变为可研究的现实可能性。[1] 根据2025绿火星工作坊的研究，火星改造可分三个阶段进行：首先通过温室气体将火星平均温度升高约30摄氏度，使冰层融化并形成近400万平方公里、平均深度约300米的海洋；其次引入经过设计的极端微生物进行光合作用以改变大气成分；最后在约100米高的穹顶栖息地中培育植被，通过光合作用或水电解产生可呼吸的氧气。[1]
Pioneer Labs首席执行官Erika DeBenedictis为该工作坊撰写了总结。[1] 研究表明，自然产氧过程需要约1000年才能让探险者在火星上生活而无需防护装备。[1] 此次技术突破得益于多方面进展，包括SpaceX星舰发射成本大幅降低、合成生物学取得突破以及气候模型的改进。[1] 不过，火星改造实施前仍需解决火星地下物质成分、潜在生命存在等科学谜题，以及随之而来的伦理问题。[1]
Recent scientific advances have transformed Mars terraforming from theoretical speculation into a credible research endeavor.[1] Researchers have outlined a phased approach to transforming the Red Planet: initially raising temperatures by approximately 30 degrees Celsius to melt subsurface ice, which would create oceans covering nearly 4 million square kilometers with an average depth of about 300 meters.[1] Subsequently, engineered extremophile microorganisms would be introduced to conduct photosynthesis and gradually alter the Martian atmosphere, followed by the cultivation of vegetation within dome-shaped habitats roughly 100 meters high to progressively increase oxygen levels through photosynthesis or water electrolysis.[1]
However, substantial challenges remain before such an ambitious undertaking could proceed.[1] Scientists must first resolve fundamental questions about the subsurface composition of Mars and the potential existence of indigenous life, in addition to addressing significant ethical considerations.[1] Dr. Erika DeBenedictis, Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Labs, contributed a summary of these findings to the 2025 Green Mars Workshop.[1] Key technological breakthroughs facilitating this research include dramatically reduced launch costs from SpaceX's Starship and advances in synthetic biology and climate modeling.[1] Natural oxygen production through these methods would require approximately 1,000 years to render Mars habitable for explorers without protective equipment.[1]