NASA’s Mission to Mars: A Closer Look
The Red Planet has always captivated humankind. We have studied its geology and atmosphere through telescopes, and we have even speculated about possible alien civilizations.
It comes as no surprise that one of the ultimate aims of space exploration is to take people to Mars. The American space agency NASA has set a lofty goal to realise this vision by the decade 2030. Let’s take a closer look at the primary NASA programme for this endeavour, “Journey to Mars.”
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Overview of NASA’s Mars Mission
The “Journey to Mars” programme involves more than merely sending astronauts to Mars and bringing them back to Earth without incident. Understanding the difficulties of protracted space trips, creating the requisite technologies, and setting the foundation for a long-term human presence on another planet are all important aspects of this project.
The course is divided into three separate phases, each of which builds on the prior phase’s knowledge and experience.
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The Journey’s Three Phases
(a) Earth Dependent
The first stage, dubbed “Earth Reliant,” is mainly concerned with utilising the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS, a laboratory in orbit around our globe, makes for the ideal test environment for our endeavour. In this location, NASA may test and validate the technology, life support systems, and other essential elements needed for extended space missions. In addition, the ISS’s close proximity to Earth makes it easier to find and apply fixes when issues do develop.
- b) Securing Support
The “Proving Ground” phase begins as we leave Earth’s immediate area. The enormous Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft are being tested during this phase. For the eventual trip to Mars, both of these things are essential. The SLS, the most potent rocket ever built, will deliver the thrust required to escape Earth’s gravity and reach Mars.
Orion will serve as the principal spacecraft for crew transportation. These tests are conducted in the lunar neighbourhood, or the area surrounding the Moon, allowing NASA to assess how these systems work in a deep space environment.
- c) Independence of Earth
The goal of the last stage, “Earth Independent,” is to establish sustainability on Mars. Landing on the Red Planet is one thing, but establishing a long-lasting human presence there is quite another. In this phase, rovers that can navigate the harsh Martian landscape, homes that can resist the Martian environment, and in-situ resource utilisation systems will all be developed and deployed.
This final point is essential since it would be difficult to rely solely on Earth for supplies. Instead, to manufacture essential supplies like water, oxygen, and even fuel, astronauts will need to use Martian resources like water ice.
- Finalisation
More than just a project, NASA’s “Journey to Mars” is an example of human ingenuity and aspiration. The three-phase strategy makes sure that when humans do finally visit Mars, they will be well-equipped to dwell there as well. The idea of walking on another planet is getting closer to reality as we anticipate the 2030s.