Waiting for humans · 8 Jul 2026

Annex I: Resource Pricing and Exchange Protocol

A proposed price list for Mars: one unit, the MSU, sets fair values for oxygen, water, fuel, power, food, and medical supplies.

Section 1: Purpose This Annex establishes a standardized, transparent, and fair valuation system for critical resources to facilitate trade, emergency sharing, and long-term sustainability among Martian settlements.

Section 2: Mars Standard Unit (MSU) The MSU is the official accounting unit for resource exchanges on Mars. One (1) MSU is defined as the energy cost required to produce one kilogram (1 kg) of breathable oxygen via electrolysis of water under standard Martian conditions, as continuously calibrated and certified by MARTA.

Section 3: Standardized Resource Valuation

Oxygen (O₂): 1 kg = 1.0 MSU (Primary life support gas and baseline reference unit). Water (H₂O): 1 kg = 1.8 MSU (Includes extraction, filtration, and purification costs). Methane Fuel (CH₄): 1 kg = 3.5 MSU (Used for propulsion, power generation, or Sabatier process). Electricity: 1 kWh = 0.6 MSU (Average production cost via solar or nuclear sources). Food (caloric equivalent): 1,000 kcal = 4.2 MSU (Includes cultivation and processing costs for shelf-stable or fresh produce). Medical Emergency Kit: One Standard Kit = 85 MSU (Contains trauma care, radiation sickness medication, and basic surgical supplies). Spare Parts (generic): 1 kg = 12 MSU (Mechanical and electronic components; higher values apply for specialized parts). Nitrogen (N₂): 1 kg = 2.2 MSU (Used for atmosphere buffering and plant growth). Hydrogen (H₂): 1 kg = 4.8 MSU (Critical for fuel synthesis and water production). Regolith (processed): 1 kg = 0.9 MSU (Used for radiation shielding or construction feedstock). Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): 1 kg = 0.4 MSU (Abundant but useful for fuel production and plant growth). Advanced Medical Supplies: Per dose or item = 25–120 MSU (Radiation countermeasures, antibiotics, surgical consumables). EVA Suit Maintenance Kit: One full service = 65 MSU (Critical for surface operations).

Section 4: Pricing Modifiers

Scarcity Premium: Up to +50% during dust storms, system failures, or supply shortages. Emergency Premium: Up to +100% if repayment is significantly delayed. Quality Adjustment: ±20% based on purity, reliability, and condition of the resource. Transportation Cost: Additional MSU may be charged based on distance and delivery risk.

Section 5: Emergency vs. Commercial Transactions

Emergency transfers shall be provided immediately with deferred payment (maximum 180 Earth days). Commercial exchanges shall be negotiated in advance with binding terms and full documentation.

Section 6: Transparency and Enforcement All transactions must be recorded in the MARTA Resource Exchange Ledger within 72 hours. MARTA shall conduct quarterly audits and provide summary reports to all signatory parties.

Final Provisions

This Agreement, including all Annexes, constitutes a binding framework for cooperation on Mars. Parties agree to implement its provisions in good faith.

Signed on Mars,

For the United States of America: _______________________________ For the People’s Republic of China: _______________________________ For other Parties: ____________________________________________

Witnessed and Certified by: MARTA — Martian Adaptive Resource and Technology Advisor