What fundamental constraint mandates that significant, long-term Martian structures must be constructed *in situ*?
Answer
The tyranny of the rocket equation and the immense cost associated with launching mass out of Earth's gravity well
The primary physical barrier to constructing large-scale infrastructure solely from Earth-imported materials is rooted in orbital mechanics and economics. The 'tyranny of the rocket equation' dictates the inherent difficulty and expense of achieving escape velocity and transferring mass across interplanetary distances. Because imported mass is exceptionally precious, any significant, long-term structural requirements must rely on utilizing local Martian materials, meaning they must be built in place, or 'in situ'.
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