P3 5 A Nuclear Spark for Mars

Abstract

This speculative analysis explores the hypothetical use of high-yield thermonuclear devices, such as Tsar Bomba equivalents (50 Mt), delivered via a borehole in the thinnest crustal regions (e.g., ∼ 6 − 10 km at Isidis Planitia), to inject energy into the planet’s interior. We refine estimates for progressive rock vaporisation to deepen the shaft and calculate the energy needed to enhance core convection sufficiently for dynamo reactivation. We estimate requirements on the order of ∼ 10²⁹ J, equating to trillions to tens of trillions of such devices - even with optimistic efficiencies - highlighting the profound impracticality.