Space Exploration and the Mars mission
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has been pushing for private space exploration for years, looking to open up the universe for travel and, eventually, colonization. In 2017, Musk announced his intent to send a manned mission to Mars, with the goal of establishing a human colony on the red planet. This ambitious mission has been met with both excitement and skepticism from the public, wondering if Musk’s plan is feasible, let alone if it’s feasible in our lifetime.
The concept of space exploration and a Mars mission is not a new one, however. In 1952, Wernher von Braun and Willy Ley, two famous theorists of the time, wrote an article discussing the possibility of building a space station and then a spacecraft that would take humans to Mars.
In the decades since, there have been countless tests and studies performed in preparation for a potential Mars mission. Numerous rocketry programs have examined the feasibility of sending humans to the moon or Mars, and various programs have given various estimates of when such a mission might be accomplished.
NASA Plans for Mars for 2030s
In 2017, NASA released its Exploration Roadmap, which outlines a plan to send humans to Mars by the 2030s. The document details a multi-stage system for setting up a human presence on Mars, which includes constructing an expansive outpost base from which humans can explore and study the planet. To reduce the risks posed to astronauts during such an ambitious mission, NASA plans to use robots in the exploration process.
The intention for the robotic mission is to create a much safer environment for the human expedition, which NASA has planned to commence in the 2030s. According to NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine, the overwhelming majority of NASA’s proposed projects seek to make the journey to Mars as safe as possible.
SpaceX Plans for 2040s
In 2017, SpaceX announced its intention to send humans to Mars in the 2040s. The broad outlines of the program involve building a large rocket known as the “BFR” which will be capable of taking humans to Mars and beyond. Musk believes that the journey will take approximately five months, and the rocket has been designed to be self-sustaining. Additional communication satellites have been proposed as part of the plan, allowing for more efficient communication while exploring Mars.
In 2020, SpaceX made history by launching its Starship rocket. The goal of this mission was to test out the technology necessary to send humans to Mars in the 2040s. If the test was successful, SpaceX would be the first private enterprise to send humans to Mars.
Concerns over a Human Mission to Mars
In spite of the enthusiasm surrounding a potential manned mission to Mars, various concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility and safety of such a mission. On one hand, critics point out that such an ambitious mission would require untold amounts of resources and energy. On the other hand, skeptics are wary of the dangers posed to astronauts in such a far-flung mission.
To date, the only successful mission to Mars since the beginning of space exploration has been the Viking program, which landed two unmanned probes on the planet in 1976. As such, critics of a manned mission to the red planet are skeptical of its chances of success, given the limited understanding of the Martian environment.
The health concerns of a long term mission
A potential Mars mission would take months, meaning the astronauts would have to spend months in a confined, pressurized space with limited movement. This would be a significant challenge to the human body, as spending extended periods in low-gravity environments can cause numerous health risks, such as muscle and bone loss. In addition, radiation exposure is a major concern, as astronauts would be exposed to higher doses of hypothetical radiation than they experience on Earth.
In spite of these health concerns, space exploration experts maintain that the health risks to astronauts can be managed if the proper precautions are taken and the necessary products are available. This includes extensive medical testing and monitoring to ensure the safety of astronauts before, during, and after their missions.
The Financial Obstacles
Costs are a major concern for any mission that aims to send humans to Mars, particularly for SpaceX and other private enterprises. Experts suggest that such a mission would cost billions of dollars, and the complexity of such an ambitious mission only increases the financial burden. For example, in 2017, SpaceX estimated that the total cost of a SpaceX mission to Mars would come to around $10 billion.
Still, experts remain confident in the eventuality of a team of humans setting off on a mission to Mars, either due to private or governmental investment. The allure of being among the first humans to explore Mars, and the knowledge that could be gained as a result, remains a prominent motivator.
The Impact on Society and the Plan’s Benefits
The potential implications of a successful Mars mission to the human species are numerous and far-reaching. As such, many experts have commented on the significance of the mission and its potential benefits, both to science and society.
The most obvious application of such a mission would be in terms of discovery and knowledge expansion. An exploration mission to Mars could open up a whole new universe of questions, possibilities, and answers about our place in the universe. Additional benefits could also include the advancement of technology, as well as the development of new systems and processes with which to explore the unknown.
In terms of humanity, the mission could open up new roads to progress, from self-sustainable agriculture to the development of space technology. Additionally, the exploration mission would raise greater awareness for the fragility of our environment. Such an ambitious mission could also provide inspiration to future generations, as well as an avenue to establish contact with potential alien life forms.
The Pros and Conquer of a Mars mission
The prospect of exploring Mars has been met with both excitement and hesitation. An ambitious mission such as this would bring numerous risks and rewards, depending on its success. As such, it is important to consider the pros and cons before deciding whether or not such a mission should take place.
On one hand, a successful mission could open up new frontiers of exploration and knowledge. On the other hand, it could also result in failure, cost substantial resources, and present a significant risk to the astronauts involved. Additionally, there are questions concerning the sustainability of a colony on Mars, as well as the cost and risk involved in transporting human beings to such a hostile environment.
Considering the pros and cons of such a mission, it is clear that an exploration mission to Mars would require considerable thought and assessing of risk before allowing a human crew to embark on the journey.
The Uncertain Fate of a Potential Mars mission
In spite of all the enthusiasm behind the concept of a Mars mission, the exact timeline of its fruition is still uncertain. Several private enterprises, such as SpaceX, have made assurances that a mission is possible in the near future, but much has to be done before such a mission can take place.
To date, Musk has stated that he hopes to launch a manned mission by the mid-2030s. Still, this timeline is subject to change, depending on a variety of factors such as financial resources and technological advancement.
Until then, it is important to continue researching the possibilities and potential of a Mars mission, and ensuring that the proper resources and precautions are taken in order to ensure its success. Until the day when humans can set foot on the red planet, the mystery of Mars and its potential remains.
