(2019 Archived) Other Concerning Martian Issues [Outdated]

This chapter is committed to give an idea, as to why Mars is quite un-homely and ill-suited for human colonization. First, I will brief some of the crucial points that would be supportive in this argument, in a form of a compilation. It is also meant to be an indirect summery of the previous chapter. Afterwards, we will probe deeper into the horrors of lower gravity and the physiological incongruities it causes, the dangers of cosmic radiation, and the constraints of Martian dust.

 

  •         Mars is far away:                                                                                                                                                  

Mars is ~54.6 million kilometres away from the Earth during opposition, which makes it ~16.6 million kilometres more further-away from the Earth, than Venus during opposition.  Furthermore, a spacecraft requires a ∆v of 2.9ms-1, to slip into the Hohmann transfer orbit to Mars, while the ∆v is 2.5ms-1 in the case of Venus. The difference may seem minute, but it translates to a huge sum of money. The trip to Mars is less economical.

 

·         Less frequent launch windows:                                                                        

The launch window for Mars opens every 779.94 days, while that for Venus opens every 584 days. Therefore, the Martian launch window opens 34% less frequently, than that of Venus.  A less number of missions per unit time can be done, owing to this reason.

 

·         More travel time:                                                                                              

 The journey to Mars takes an average of 6-7 months, which is longer than the average travel-time to Venus, by 3 months. Extra months in interplanetary space will subject the crew, to be more prone to the risks of cosmic radiation and zero-gravity.

 

·         Low atmospheric pressure:                                                                          

  The thin Martian atmosphere exerts a pressure of 0.0618 bars, which is roughly only 6.18% of our own. This requires the crew to wear bulky-and-clumsy pressurized suits, which take ages to put on, during EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activities) and whenever outside. This would be unnecessary on the Venusian cloud-cities, as both the internal and external pressures of the cities are equivalent to 1 bar.

 

·         Martian habitats will decompress when seriously compromised:                                                                              

   The Martian atmospheric pressure is comparatively low, relative to the pressure inside the Martian habitats. The high pressure inside, will always try to find a way outside, and attain equilibrium of internal and external pressure.  Once a Martian habitat is seriously compromised, with exposure to the external environment, the habitat could decompress as a means of attaining that equilibrium. Decompression of a habitat could turn out to be a violent process, which could take lives. And even if it were not much of a violent process, there would not be much time to repair, which could mean certain doom to its residents, unless they find another habitat to live in.

·         Low temperature:                                                                                                 

   The average surfaces temperature ranges at -63oC [14], which along with the low atmospheric pressure, renders the crew to live under heavier life-support systems. On the other hand, the Venusian cloud-cities are designed to float in ‘the goldilocks zone of the Venusian atmosphere’, which along with sea-level pressure, means that lighter life-support systems could be used.

 

·         Varying temperature over the year:                                                    

Depending on where and when, the Martian colonies could experience temperatures as low as -143oC at the polar winters, and a maximum of 35oC during the equatorial summer [14]. Nonetheless, temperatures mostly linger at about -63oC, with variations over the seasons, which could slowly wear-off structures over the years, due to thermal expansion and contraction of metals, at varying temperatures.

 

·         Difficulty in generating Oxygen:                                                                 

   It is harder to extract Carbon Dioxide, which is almost fundamental in Oxygen generation, from the thin Martian atmosphere, although in accounts for the majority on its atmosphere. The 35% less sunlight received from Mars will make photosynthesis more difficult.

 

·         Difficulty in extracting Nitrogen and Hydrogen:                                

Nitrogen, which is crucial as a buffer gas to avert oxygen toxicity, accounts for 2.7% of the Martian atmosphere. But it is dwarfed by the astounding 3 bars of it present in the Venusian atmosphere. The extraction of that vital Nitrogen from the thin Martin atmosphere is demanding and troublesome. Furthermore, Hydrogen in any form, is completely absent on Mars.

 

·         Less protection from meteorites:                                                            

Meteorites burn in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and disintegrate, due to the air-resistance that generates a colossal amount of heat around it. The same isn’t true for Mars, as the diminutive air-resistance of the thin Martian atmosphere is inadequate to slow-down and heat-up the meteorites to disintegration. The meteorites could impact the Martian surface intact, and pose a threat to the Martian-colonists. After all, the presence of impact craters is an edgy reminder of such a prospect.

 

·         Difficulty in sending materials to the Martian surface:                            

The flimsy Martian atmosphere and its meagre air-resistance imply that sending materials to the Martian colonies would be trickier, with an exponential risk of the supplies meeting the Martian surface with a bang. The usage of much larger parachutes, along with some other precautions like balloon-cushioned landings, is needed to send material to the Martian surface.

 

·         Messed-up Circadian Rhythm:                                                                

Martian colonists will have problems with their sleep, because a sol lasts ~39 minutes longer than our day. Developing a new Circadian takes a very long time, and until then, those 39 extra-minutes in a sol, will accumulate and could lead to sleep disorders.

 

·         The Low Martian Gravity                                                        

Mars has a gravitational acceleration of 3.711ms-1, which roughly translates to 0.38G [12], or 38% of the Earth’s gravity. It is low enough to have some undesirable effects to the human physiology, with bone decalcification and loss of muscle tone being the major consequences. Further consequences include: vision problems, formation of kidney stones (by crystallization of calcium oxalate), electrolyte imbalance due to demineralization and fluid-loss, nasal congestion, reduced stimulation of taste and olfactory receptors, desynchronysis, and increased risk of osteoporosis which could manifest itself as fractures in later-life. Moreover, bone mineral-loss appears to be proportional to mission duration, which could make a whole lifetime on Mars, quite very fragile [7] [19].

 

I am quite sympathetic towards those, who are destined to spend the rest of their lives, on a world with lower gravity:  Over a course of millions of years, we’ve adapted and evolved to the steady pull of the Earth’s gravity (1G) [12], and outspokenly take it for granted. It would take a similar time period to evolve to Mars’s gravitational pull of 0.38G, and until then, Martian life would be tormenting. Gravity will be a concerning factor for life on Mars.

·         Exposure to Cosmic Radiation

 

Mars doesn’t have much of a magnetosphere to protect its surface from being bombarded by cosmic radiation. It is estimated that a total dose of ~1.01Sv could be expected for a round trip to Mars in our current solar cycle [10]. Effects of cosmic radiation include [7]:

·         Radiation Sickness

·         Tissue Degeneration

·         Nausea

·         Cataracts

·         Vomiting

·         Cardio-circulatory Degeneration

·         Anorexia

·         Fatigue

More acute effects might include [7]:

·         Increased risk of cancer

·         Damaged Central Nervous System

·         Altered Cognitive Function

·         Decreased Motor Function

·         Behavioural Change

The Martians would have to live metres underground with restricted freedom to wander outside for too long, due to the constraints of cosmic radiation.

The Constraints of Martian Dust

The impact of Martian dust on human exploration and performance on Mars is a multi-faceted problem [20]. Martian dust could pose a threat to (1) the Health of the crew, (2) Surface Systems like the habitats, mobility systems, spacesuits etc. (3) EVA and Human-Surface Operations and (4) Near-surface electric fields. Let us probe deeper into this topic:

Safe on Mars: Precursor measurements necessary to support human operations on the Martian Surface (2002) by the National Research Council, discusses four principle problems regarding Martian soil and airborne dust, as follows [20]:

1.      Airborne dust and soil on Mars could contain trace amounts of hazardous chemicals, including toxic metals.

2.      Equipment corrosion and Biological degrading.

3.      Hazardous atmospheric gases and Organic compounds.

4.      Inhalation of airborne particulate matter

Hazardous Organic Compounds, Atmospheric Gases and Particulate Matter found on Mars: 

Certain organic compounds and atmospheric gases, which might have been formed in the Martian atmosphere by photochemical reactions, could be toxic to humans. Moreover, there is a threat to the crew’s health due to exposure and inhalation of particulate matter [20].  Consequences of inhaling or ingesting Martian dust might range from mild-illness to loss of chew. Moreover, “inhalation or ingestion of dust may cause irritation or disease that can compromise an astronaut’s health and their ability to carry out mission objectives” [20].

Hexavalent Chromium and Toxic Metals:

Mars Pathfinder measurements established the presence of Chromium in Martian soil. Primarily, Trivalent Chromium [Cr (III), which forms a +3 ion] found in geologic material is stable and minimally toxic. It is likely to account for most of the Chromium on Mars. But there is a risk of Hexavalent Chromium [Cr (VI), which forms a +6 ion], which is a highly toxic and unstable form of Chromium, being present not only in the soil, but also in airborne dust. “If even a modest fraction of the chromium present in the Martian soil and airborne dust is hexavalent chromium (more than 150 parts per million), it would pose a serious health threat to astronauts operating on the surface of Mars” [20].

Mars could also contain trace amounts of compounds, of toxic elements, that could cause cancers on the longer run.

Equipment Corrosion and Biological Degrading:

The high concentrations of Chlorine and Sulphur in Martian soil, implies that the soil and airborne dust could be acidic, which could pose a threat to the Martians, when introduced into Martian habitats. Acidic soil could degrade human tissues when inhaled. Once humidified and allowed to penetrate control units, Martian soil could have the potential of corroding sensitive and critical instruments, including the control circuits. Furthermore, “study results obtained by robotic Martian missions indicate that the Martian surface soil may be oxidative and reactive” [20].




Figure 15: This is a picture taken by the Mars Curiosity Rover, after it crossed the Dingo-gap sand dune. This is a rather serene scene of Mars with its unusually coloured sky and red deserts. But, this environment is more dangerous than it seems: It is bombarded with cosmic radiation and UV, at an average temperature of -63oC.  

 

The Dangers of Martian Dust-storms:                                                      

The red planet is infamous for its dust-storms and dust-devils, which when large enough, could pose a threat to Martian settlements. It might affect Entry, Descent and Landing of an entry vehicle (the EDL protocol), and disable the Martians from doing EVA. Moreover, “recent laboratory and terrestrial desert studies indicate that triboelectric effects within Duststorms can give rise to large electric fields which might prove hazardous to both explorers and equipment” [20].




Figure 16: Martian Duststorms could grow into enormous sizes. The Duststorms might even grow up to engulf the entire planet! The above comparison shows the phenomenon, in all its glory.

The Abrasive Properties of Martian Dust:

Abrasiveness simply implies to the ability to rub and grind-down. Martian dust seems to have abrasive properties, which would make it tend to accumulate on surfaces and penetrate systems. It could lead to [20]:            

·         Failure of Air Generation

·         Failure  of Air Delivery

·         Failure of Carbon Dioxide Removal

·         Failure in Fire Detection

The complete failure of the aforementioned critical life-support systems would mean certain doom for the Martians.



Figure 17: The Martian sunset has this wonderful blue hue, which is reminiscent of our sky. It is as home-ly as the red planet has to offer. This beautiful spectacle still comes with a dose of UV radiation, though.                                                                                         

From the beginning until now, we have seen many arguments as to The Venusian cloud-cities to be much well suited for our inhabitancy, while Mars is a detrimental desert ill-suited for the purpose. On the long run, humanity would have to go to Mars one day, but our next astronomical step should specifically be for one world. We would have to consider the humanity of colonizing both worlds, with our current technological strata; we would have to see which world looks into our well-beings more, and that’s the world we go to. However, on the humanity of colonizing Mars or Venus? Which is more of a nurse – a haven for humanity?


Ode to the Humanity of Colonizing Mars

Let us imagine a hypothetical universe where both Venus and Mars are home to thriving colonies, independent from the Earth, and self-sufficient in every possible way: The common comment for both Venusians and Martians is that they are a peculiar group of people moulded by isolation, confinement and boredom. Limited habitat volume, the absence of true fresh air, reduced sensory stimulation, and regimented work-schedules only aggravate mood disturbances, impaired intellectual function, problems with work, interpersonal conflicts, apathy, and withdrawal *.                                                                      

Yet, the Venusians would fare better than the Martians… Why?  Because, they are released from the physiological inconsistencies that the Martians are unfortunately burdened with, for the rest of their lives. Imagine thyself to be a Martian settler having to deal with bone decalcification and loss of muscle tone. Your bones fracture very easily. You are slowly losing your strength. You have a much increased risk of osteoporosis**. Now imagine dedicating your entire life to hard-labour and research. It is for your survival! You have to do it regardless of whether you like it, or not! The head-ward shift of blood in your body builds pressure in your eyes, which weakens your vision. You will slightly experience cardiovascular de-conditioning. Dehydration gave you kidney-stones, which struck you out of bad-luck, and it will come out one-day with a lot of red-staining. 

Imagine being consigned metres underground, to stay the majority of your years. Seldom having the chance to marvel at the spectacular red desert outside, without the discomfort of a pressurized suit. Seldom see the faint Martian sunset which makes blue the western sky, with the nostalgia of home: which is, as homely an environment as the Red planet has got to offer.

Imagine the hopes for the seeds that sow Martian civilization vanish, in miscarriages that you would have to witness. Isn’t it heart-breaking? Especially for a once-aspirant mother? Now put yourself in the boots of a true Martian, born rather deformed and unhealthy, owing to being bred and raised in gravity ill-suited for it. What would you think of your life? Would you be willing to continue the life of your ‘forefathers’?  Aren’t you jealous of the Venusians who are emancipated the burden of physiological ailments, that you’d call home; that you’re compelled to work with, every single sol of your life?

Though, we and the Martians inhabit completely different worlds, we are collectively still humans: It be the same red blood that flows in their veins, that flows in ours. It would be the same emotions that run in their minds that runs in ours. Why should we let them suffer like so? Isn’t being relieved from a broken physique, a blessing in itself? Is firm terra under one’s soles worth it? Does it compensate for everything they would have to go through? In our new paradigm, it should not look as appealing as it did before: Either the absurdity of surfacism or the stark reality of an overrated Mars (or both) is well understood.

Venus is the way to go. Nonetheless, the first crews to Mars should be admired for their bravery, boldness, courage and determination. They are still attempting to take giant leaps for mankind, and I too am proud of that. Still, it is sad knowing the fact that; they are heading to a world-of-pain.

Mars doesn’t look into our wellbeing, specifically the colonist’s physical and psychological well-beings; Venus is the way to go! But, some might counter-argue, that Venus couldn’t be as ideal as the Earth; surely we ought to encounter problems. And those problems might harm the colonist’s well-being. Though Venus is now much more ideal than Mars, it still comes with some demerits and challenges, of its own. Which is why, the subsequent chapter is dedicated for the identification of those potential problems, along with methodologies of solving them; to make Venus much more ideal for colonization, than its current level of ideal ideality.  

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Achinthya Nanayakkara (31.03.2025)

Original - 2019







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