Technology

Certain technological advancements are assumed to have been made over the next 50 years, which affect the colonists.

Nuclear Fusion

This form of energy production is reliable, safe, and non-polluting. Most big cities now have their own reactor, and power plants using fossil fules or nuclear fission are being replaced worldwide. Most fusion reactors use Helium-3 mined from the Moon.

Genetic Engineering

This field of science has advanced far enough that plants are being engineered that will grow in a mixture of Martian and Earth dirt. Research is being done to develop micro-organisms, worms, and fish that can live unprotected on Mars.

Communications and Information

As on Earth, satellites have been positioned in Martian orbits to provide global communications. Anyone can access an ultra-high-speed internet connection almost anytime, including via a wristpad, marssuit or vehicle. This provides instant access to information, and communication with anyone else on the planet.

Robotics

Artificial intelligence and robotics have come a long way. Robots are used extensively in exploration, farming and mining, key activities on Mars. The main advancement in robotics is in problem-solving and algorithm design, which means that most robots only need to be given targets and do not need to be told exactly how to reach those targets - they can determine how to do it themselves.