A way to make it a bit easier.
They could seal off and pressurize a series of lava tubes, then pump in sunlight for plants via a solar collector and fiberoptic cable.
Space/Science » in reply to The problem is simple: The equipment and supplies required for a permanent colony would dwarf the requirements for a return trip.
They could seal off and pressurize a series of lava tubes, then pump in sunlight for plants via a solar collector and fiberoptic cable.