Individual Project
MARS ONE: The Idea of People Living on Mars
by Pauline de Leon
2011-44571
What is the term
colonization in Mars? It is the idea of humans living permanently in Mars. The
idea, which is at first considered science fiction is now being studied and can
be made possible. In considering which planet to colonize by humans, Mars can
be considered the best bet because according to Wikipedia, first, Martian soil
is very similar to Earth. Second, there is a presence of water ice according to
NASA. Third, Mars have seasons, just like Earth and lastly, some lichens and
cyanobacteria were seen that existed on Mars. Basically, Mars has a lot of
similarities on Earth than any other planet. But Human survival on Mars will
surely require artificial environments.
The Dutch private space
company Mars One plans to send four people to live to Mars. More than 200,000
aspiring astronauts applied and only 1000 plus made it to round 2. The catch
for living in Mars is that, they can never go back. They have to learn to live
in Mars for the rest of their life. The reason for the one-way trip is that it
can save a lot of money. The applicants agreed and those who were accepted for
the round 2 were so happy.
Before
setting their feet on Mars, the chosen four has to undergo 8 years of intensive
training because of the different life in Mars. It will start on 2018,
hopefully. According to Mars One website, “They
will be isolated from the world for a few months every two years in groups of
four in simulation facilities, to learn how they respond to living in close
quarters while isolated from all humans except for the three crew members. In
addition to the expertise and work experience they must already possess, they
have to learn quite a few new skills: physical and electrical repairs to the
settlement structures, cultivating crops in confined spaces, and addressing
both routine and serious medical issues such as dental upkeep, muscle tears and
bone fractures.” (See more at: http://www.mars-one.com/mission/humankind-on-mars#sthash.zFevek03.dpuf)
It
is the first planetary mission by a private space company. The mission’s goal
is to collect information about Mars and set up a colony of humans in it. The
launch will be on 2025. The travel time to Mars will take up to eight months. This
will not be easy because they’ll only be eating canned goods and bathe
themselves using wet wipes only. After they landed, they will live in a small
settlement where they can wear regular clothes, shower, and eat normal food.
But they have to wear special suits when they’ll go outside to explore Mars.
They also have to exercise 3 hours a day to sustain their muscle mass. Every 2
years the company will add an additional four to live with the first four
settlers. It will continue so the colony will grow, and hopefully expand
successfully.
Being
the first private planetary mission, the Dutch company has to ask for
solicitations and sponsorship. As of now, they were able to acquire $200,000
from donations. This is a £4bn project, founded
in 2010 by engineer Bas Lansdorp.
The
astronauts have to find out how their bodies respond to the atmosphere and 38%
gravitational field in Mars. They also have to explore the current and ancient
geology in Mars. They also have to experiment on how they can put water on the
planet and also on how food crops can grow in the hydroponic plant production
units. The astronauts also have to share their insights and feelings about
their new life.
SOURCES:
Colonization of Mars. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved March
14, 2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization_of_Mars
Landau, E. (2013). 200,000 People Apply to Live on Mars.
Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/10/tech/innovation/mars-one-plan/
Griffiths, S. (2014). Mars One project selects the first 1,000 lucky space flyers
hoping to live on the Red Planet (with the oldest aged 81). Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2532567/Mars-One-project-selects-1-000-people-hoping-live-Red-Planet.html
Humankind on Mars. Mars One. Retrieved March 14, 2014,
from http://www.mars-one.com/mission/humankind-on-mars.
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