Mars, also known as the Red Planet because of the rust-coloured, oxidized iron minerals in its ground and atmosphere, is a cold, dry and uninviting place. Temperatures there can drop to around 150 C, there’s very little water and the atmosphere, which is 96 per cent carbon dioxide, is too thin to block ultraviolet radiation from space.
These problems alone would make human existence on Mars very challenging. But there’s much more to add to the difficulty – such as soil that’s highly toxic to humans, and the huge distance from home. Since Mars is on average 225 million kilometres away from Earth, if something went wrong for the people living there, help would take several months to arrive (currently about nine months).
Long ago, Mars may have been more similar to Earth than it is today. So far, six robotic Mars rovers have landed on the planet to search for signs of life. They’ve found evidence of ancient magma, a river delta, a lake and organic molecules preserved in rocks and dust. What seems certain is that Mars was once much wetter than it is now.
Scientific research also suggests that the early atmosphere of Mars was thick enough to create a greenhouse effect. This combination of warmth and water could have once harboured life on the now inhospitable planet. Nowadays, Mars has much less water than Earth. The water that’s been discovered on the planet is either in the form of ice at the planet’s north and south poles or in the form of saltwater, trapped under the ice at the planet’s south pole.
Nevertheless, the harsh conditions on Mars haven’t stopped Elon Musk, CEO and chief engineer at SpaceX and CEO of Tesla Motors, from making plans to create a self-sustaining Martian city, supported by solar-powered, hydroponic farms. Musk sees the project as “a futuristic Noah’s ark” that would involve sending people and animals to permanently live on Mars.
In reality, life on Mars would involve serious challenges. As Musk said in an interview in April 2021 with X Prize Foundation founder Peter Diamandis, “Honestly, a bunch of people probably will die at the beginning.” Apart from the low temperatures, lack of water, radiation and toxic soil, there are huge storms. Every 26 months, the planet has a dust storm season, during which fine dust particles block the sunlight for months. Human survival would mean having to live in artificial habitats like ecosystems, where people would be sealed in and protected from the harsh conditions outside.
It seems there’s still some way to go before humans can call Mars home. Robotic mining for water and fuel could be the key to making this possible, but that’s unlikely to happen before 2050, according to Professor Serkan Saydam of the University of New South Wales Sydney.
“Everything is all about water,” Professor Saydam comments. “Innovation in robotics and autonomous systems are clearly important so that we have the water ready and the hydrogen separated and ready for when human beings land.”
In recent decades, humanity has embarked on an extraordinary endeavour: exploring and eventually colonizing Mars. This bold mission represents a giant leap for mankind, as we strive to extend our reach beyond Earth and unravel the mysteries of the Red Planet. With each passing year, our understanding of Mars grows, and our ambition to set foot on its dusty surface intensifies.
The fascination with Mars can be traced back centuries. Ancient civilizations marvelled at the mysterious red object in the night sky, often associating it with gods or otherworldly beings. As our scientific knowledge advanced, so did our understanding of Mars. Through the lens of telescopes and the lens of rovers, we have come to appreciate its unique features, such as massive volcanoes, expansive canyons, and polar ice caps.
The quest to reach Mars has gained momentum in recent decades, with several successful robotic missions paving the way for human exploration. Rovers like Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity have provided us with invaluable insights into the planet’s geology, climate, and potential for harbouring life. These missions have shown us that Mars was once a world with flowing water, an essential ingredient for life as we know it.
However, the dream of sending humans to Mars remains a daunting challenge. The journey itself poses immense physical and psychological risks. The distance between Earth and Mars fluctuates between 34 million and 250 million miles, depending on their positions in their respective orbits. The journey could take anywhere from six to nine months, exposing astronauts to prolonged periods of microgravity, radiation, and isolation.
Yet, despite these challenges, the allure of Mars continues to captivate the human imagination. Numerous space agencies, including NASA, SpaceX, and others from around the world, have been working tirelessly to develop the technology and infrastructure necessary for manned missions to Mars. Their efforts range from designing advanced spacecraft capable of interplanetary travel to creating sustainable habitats that could support human life on the Martian surface.
The potential benefits of a successful Mars mission are vast. Beyond scientific discoveries and the expansion of human knowledge, colonizing Mars could serve as a stepping stone for future space exploration. Establishing a presence on Mars would provide invaluable experience and test the limits of human endurance in a hostile environment, ultimately preparing us for even more ambitious journeys deeper into the cosmos.
Moreover, the pursuit of Mars holds promise for addressing some of the challenges we face here on Earth. Advances in technology and resource utilization necessary for survival on Mars could have practical applications for sustainability, energy production, and environmental conservation back home. Furthermore, the exploration of Mars may unlock new insights into the origins of life and the potential for habitable environments beyond our own planet.
However, it is crucial to approach the journey to Mars with great care and responsibility. As we venture into the unknown, we must prioritize the protection and preservation of the Martian environment. Strict protocols must be in place to prevent contamination by Earthly microbes that could jeopardize the search for indigenous life on Mars. Ethical considerations should guide our actions to ensure that we explore Mars in a manner that is respectful and mindful of the planet’s delicate ecosystems.
In sum, the exploration and colonization of Mars represent an audacious undertaking that pushes the boundaries of human achievement. The allure of the Red Planet, with its secrets and potential, fuels our determination to reach beyond our home planet. Through relentless innovation, international collaboration, and a commitment to responsible exploration, humanity may one day witness the remarkable sight of a human setting foot on Mars—a monumental step that will shape our future and redefine our place in the universe.
Reference: Spotlight Magazine June 2022
