Radical Terraforming of Mars and Planetary Engineering

The radical terraforming of Mars was proposed in 2025 (LPSC2025, 1558.pdf) envisions bringing volatiles with a total mass of approximately 10¹⁹ kg from the Kuiper Belt to Mars. This would amount to approximately 1000 asteroids. Upon reaching Mars, these bodies will have velocities ranging from a few to a dozen or so km/s relative to the planet. The impact sites and their parameters will be controlled to some extent. This would be a unique opportunity to use these bodies to modify the surface of Mars. The goal of radical terraforming is also to create open water reservoirs and rivers. The planet's current topography makes these plans very difficult. Large elevation differences would lead to rapid concentration of water in a few low-lying areas. We show examples of possible stable zones that would provide habitable conditions for ecosystems from Earth. Another possibility of using impacts is the targeted transformation of minerals. Asteroids themselves contain not only water and volatile substances but also other compounds. Placing them in appropriate places can make the economy easier for future residents.