An Exploration of Mars Settlement with Agent Based Modeling

Our goal is to simulate the interactions of future Martian colonists through an Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach, to anticipate conflict. Given the engineering and technological limitations, we draw on research regarding high performing teams in isolated high stress environments (ex. submarines, Arctic exploration, war) to focus on mental health of four standard psychological profiles. Interactions between agents are modeled while global events such as accidents or delays affect the whole colony. We offer areas for consideration regarding a crew's mental well-being, and propose a minimum crew size to maintain a stable crew population.