Mars Colonization

By Muzain, Sai Tej, Amin, Ameer, Gurudev

I’m sure you all have seen or at least heard about Mars colonization. It is the idea of when human civilization can live their daily life on the red planet. This idea is estimated to take 50-100 years to fully be able to experience the same feeling as Earth. That’s not as long as it may seem. This idea could forever change human history, and we can restart on a whole new planet, and make the right decisions. But why is this planet the chosen one to colonize? According to Wikipedia, “The reduced gravity well of Mars and its position in the Solar System may facilitate Mars–Earth trade and may provide an economic rationale for continued settlement of the planet.” The site states that due to the similar gravitational pull and position, the planet will have a better chance of feeling the same as Earth. The planet is more well-fitted for humans than the other inhabitable planets. To fully be able to live on Mars, we would need “a wide variety of equipment—both equipment to directly provide services to humans and production equipment used to produce food, propellant, water, energy, and breathable oxygen—to support human colonization efforts,” (Wikipedia). These are the first steps being taken across the world. To understand the potential for human life on Mars, it's crucial to consider the efforts already underway to explore and prepare the planet for future colonization.

Throughout the years, NASA has mainly sent rovers to explore and find data about Mars. However, they have implemented many changes in their rovers to further adapt their capabilities for the environment of Mars. One of the most noteworthy of these changes was when NASA changed its main energy source from solar panels to a nuclear power source. The first rovers that NASA sent to the red planet were mainly powered by solar energy, in the hope that they would be able to power themselves infinitely. However, NASA later began to see some problems regarding their solar panels. One of the biggest problems was that the solar panels would get covered by sand, limiting the amount of operations the robot could do until its panels got cleaned. To fix this problem, NASA instead decided to use a nuclear battery on one of the most recent rovers, Curiosity. Using nuclear energy proved to be beneficial, as Curiosity receives a steady energy supply daily. However, this is not the only change that NASA has implemented on its rovers. NASA has also added more tools to its rovers over time. Its first rover, Sojourner, only had a spectrometer that gave basic analytics of rocks. On the other hand, Perseverance, the newest rover, has robotic arms to manipulate rocks, cameras to assess the environment, and tools to collect scientific data. 

The history of Mars exploration is a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown. Dating back to ancient civilizations, Mars has captured the imagination, often being associated with gods and mystical realms. However, scientific interest in the Red Planet truly ignited during the 20th century with the advent of telescopes and later, space probes. Mariner and Viking missions in the 1960s and 1970s provided the first close-up images of Mars, sparking further curiosity about its potential for harboring life. Today, scientists are driven by a multitude of reasons to explore Mars. Firstly, understanding Mars' geological and atmospheric history offers insights into Earth's past and future. Additionally, the search for signs of past or present life on Mars could revolutionize our understanding of the origins of life in the universe. Moreover, Mars exploration serves as a stepping stone for eventual human colonization, offering possibilities for expanding humanity beyond Earth's confines. Furthermore, studying Mars provides invaluable knowledge for planetary defense against potential asteroid impacts. Ultimately, the quest to explore Mars is driven by humanity's innate curiosity, our desire to push boundaries, and our relentless pursuit of knowledge.

 Future Mars colonization would revolutionize human expansion by establishing the first civilization beyond Earth. Sustainable habitats would rely on advanced technologies like 3D-printed structures. At the same time, agriculture would flourish through getting nutrients from water and air, enabling colonists to grow food in an otherwise better environment. Energy generation would primarily come from solar and nuclear power, ensuring a sustainable supply of energy. Transportation between Earth and Mars would become easier, with spacecraft efficiently carrying passengers and cargo. Scientific research offers unique opportunities to study Mars' geology, climate, and potential signs of past life. Economic opportunities would emerge, including mining for rare minerals and  developing industries suited to the Martian environment. Human society would evolve, potentially creating new forms of governance. Health and medicine would advance with specialized treatments and technologies for the physical and psychological effects of living on Mars. Additionally, cultural exchange between Earth and Mars would enrich both planets, fostering a greater sense of unity and shared destiny among humans.

Over the years, NASA’s Mars rovers have undergone significant changes to enhance their capabilities for exploring the Red Planet. Notably, the shift from solar panels to nuclear power marked a pivotal advancement. Initially, solar-powered rovers faced challenges—sand accumulation on panels hindered their operations. To address this, NASA equipped the recent rover, Curiosity, with a nuclear battery, ensuring a consistent energy supply. Beyond energy sources, NASA continually improved rover functionality. Sojourner, the first rover, had a basic spectrometer for rock analysis. In contrast, Perseverance, the latest rover, boasts robotic arms, cameras for environmental assessment, and tools for scientific data collection. These innovations build upon the legacy of earlier rovers, including Spirit and Opportunity, which confirmed Mars’ watery past and paved the way for future exploration12. The enduring legacy of these rovers continues with missions like Curiosity and Perseverance, as they seek signs of ancient life on Mars. These advancements in rover technology demonstrate NASA’s unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of Mars and paving the way for future interplanetary exploration.