Minimum size of a Mars mission that could potentailly survive indefinately

"steve" wrote:
I reckon if the Chinese or Indians really want to go down in history,
they should organise a manned mission to Mars. I am not talking about
a high tech mission but a one way foot planting mission.
Find a few volunteers (married couple for instance). Send enough food
for a few years.
A spacecraft the size of Apollo is all that is needed. Prefably
scientists should be sent who stand a good chance of survival.

What do we reckon is the minimum size of a mission that could
potentailly survive indefinately without future support from Earth ?


Why do we want to go down in history? China has a great history
without anyone trying to do anything to achieve it. You should do all
yourself and go down in history.
China must concentrate on improving the standard of living and
education throughout the whole country.