The red planet does not give rest to either scientists or the rest of humanity. Mars is not so distant and not so terrible as not to harbor the urge to set foot on its land. Colonization ideas are becoming more and more real. But what awaits the daredevils after they get off the ground and leave their native land?
More and more people are ready to exchange their home world for the lifeless desert of Mars. It became one of the most discussed topics at the recent BBC Future World Summit in New York.
This future is not far off. NASA continues to build its new Space Launch System (SLS) heavy launch vehicle, and the Mars One project has hosted hundreds of participants for a reality TV trip to Mars. These are no longer just discussions, this is real preparation.
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However, before you sell whatever property you own and enroll in The Mars Society, it is worth considering the challenges that await pioneers. Establishing an extraterrestrial colony will not be easy.
According to the BBC, there are several serious problems facing astronauts.
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Flight
Over the next decade, NASA is likely to finish building a spacecraft capable of flying to Mars. The massive 2,500-ton SLS combined with the Orion capsule will allow astronauts to travel to the red planet.
9 months of flight will require an extended housing module and radiation protection. The level of radiation will significantly increase the risk of cancer. It is also important for the health of the future generation of the colony, as radiation damages sperm and eggs.
Landing
Landing on Mars is also a challenge. With the Orion launch pod weighing almost 10 tons, it will be difficult to land the team on the planet's surface.
NASA is currently developing giant "inflatable donuts" with heat shields. When falling to Mars, the speed of 14 km / s and the exorbitant temperature become a big obstacle.
Colony life support
After a successful landing, it's too early to relax, as now it is necessary to create a self-sufficient colony on a lifeless planet. People need air, water, food and energy to survive. In the short term, you can count on supplies from Earth, but ultimately you need to become self-sufficient.
Today NASA is creating a new rover (Curiosity upgrade), which in 2020 should try to extract oxygen from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of Mars using electrolysis.
It is believed that Mars once had lakes, rivers and oceans. There is probably water in the ice caps and possibly below the surface. Hope is also placed on the recovery of water from human urine and sweat through a recycling system.
But food production can be much more difficult. The project of growing food in the desert conditions of the research station in Utah is far from complete. So far, scientists have not been able to fully provide food for the colony, despite some success. Ultimately, the colonists must grow crops on Martian soil.
As for the energy, this is easier. With fuel cells or nuclear and solar panels, the colony should not be suffering from an energy crisis.
Mining
The first settlers on Mars will build new modules and domes. To do this, they will need local minerals. Stone, metal and glass will still be relevant. To do this, the minerals will need to be extracted from the Martian rock.
Organization
Any society must live by the laws, and this is especially important for those who go to a lifeless planet. You can't just put on a coat, slam the door and leave for another city if something goes wrong. A clear hierarchy and government is required.
The past 50 years have taught researchers that in the extreme conditions of space, this is the safest way. In addition, if someone gains control over the supply of oxygen, then it may well have an impact on all the inhabitants of the colony, which will bring dire consequences.
The government should also organize subsidiaries. Any society needs an economy, healthcare organization, schools, social assistance and the rest. In other words, Mars will not be left without bureaucracy.
Indigenous martians
If the colonialists manage to gain a foothold and have children, then the children will become the first earthlings-Martians. A child born under the red sky of Mars will have a completely different relationship to Earth and may never return to their home world.
Today, each of these stages is in principle possible. But one question remains: do we really need it? Mars is a bleak, cold and airless world. Survival on Mars will become an everyday problem.