The Human exploration of the Martian Pole: Part 1 - Four Phases from early expedition to a permanent station

The establishment of a permanent human scientific presence at the Martian poles requires the identification of a strategy for growth, from localized field parties to a permanent polar infrastructure. Using terrestrial polar stations as a template and experiences from the terrestrial High Arctic, four phases of Martian polar exploration are suggested. The first phase provides for six people to operate at the edge of the north polar cap for a Martian summer period (~350 sol), with excursions limited to the immediate area