A photo from open sources
Red planet haunts neither scientists nor the rest to humanity. Mars is not so far and not so scary not to feed desire to set foot on his land. The ideas of colonization are becoming more real. But what awaits the daredevils after they come off the ground and leave their native penates?
Everything is ready to exchange the home world for the lifeless desert of Mars more people. This has become one of the most talked about topics in recent BBC Future World Summit in New York.
This future is not far off. NASA continues to create its new heavy launcher Space Launch System (SLS), Mars One project hosted hundreds of participants for a reality show trip to Mars. It is no longer just discussions, this is real preparation.
However, before you sell all the property that you have, and sign up for The Mars Society, it’s worth considering trials, who are expecting pioneers. Create an extraterrestrial colony will not so easy.
According to the BBC, there are several serious problems that expect astronauts.
Flight
Over the next decade, NASA is likely to complete a spaceship capable of flying to Mars. Massive 2 The 500-ton SLS combined with the Orion capsule will allow astronauts head to the red planet.
9 months of flight will require an extended housing module and protection from radiation. The level of radiation will significantly increase the risk cancer development. It is also important for the health of future generations. colonies, because radiation damages sperm and ovules.
Landing
Landing on Mars is also a problem. Given that Orion trigger capsule weighs almost 10 tons, it will not be easy put the team on the surface of the planet.
NASA is currently developing a giant “inflatable” donuts “with heat shields. When falling to Mars, the speed is 14 km / s and extreme temperatures 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 In the short term, you can rely on shipments from Earth, but ultimately you need to become self-sufficient.
Today, NASA is creating a new all-terrain vehicle (Curiosity upgrade), which in 2020 should try using electrolysis extract oxygen from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of Mars.
It is believed that once Mars had lakes, rivers and oceans. Water is likely to be found in ice caps and possibly under surface. To extract water from urine and perspiration through recycling systems also have a hope.
A photo from open sources
But with food production can be much more difficult. Desert Product Growth Project Utah’s research station is far from over. Until scientists manages to fully supply the colony, despite some success. Ultimately, colonists must grow agricultural crops on Martian soil.
As for energy, this is easier. Having fuel cells or nuclear and solar panels, the colony should not suffer from energy crisis.
Mining
The first settlers on Mars will build new modules and domes. To do this, they will need local minerals. A rock, metal and glass will remain relevant. For this minerals will need to be extracted from the Martian breed.
Organization
Any society must live by the law, and this is especially important for those who go to a lifeless planet. You can’t just wear coat, slam the door and leave for another city if something goes not this way. A clear hierarchy and government are required.
The past 50 years have taught researchers that in extreme space conditions is the safest way. In addition, if someone will gain control over the provision of oxygen, then quite can affect all inhabitants of the colony, which will bring terrible consequences.
The government should also organize subsidiaries. Any society needs an economy, a healthcare organization, schools, social assistance and the rest. In other words, Mars is not will remain without bureaucracy.
Indigenous Martians
If the colonialists manage to gain a foothold and have children, then the children will be the first Earth Martians. Baby 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 steps is possible in principle. But remains one question: do we really need this? Mars is bleak cold and airless world. Survival on Mars will become everyday problem.
Water Mars NASA
