(2019 Archived) Other Concerning Martian Issues [Outdated]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:
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.
Achinthya Nanayakkara (31.03.2025)
Original - 2019
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