WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TO MARS?
What would you need to live on Mars? If you had what you needed, would you like to go to Mars? I’m sure that Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk aren’t the only people who would! These two billionaires are fueling the new space race with their fires, but they aren’t the only ones thinking about how to live on Mars.
I admit that I’m playing catch-up here. Better late than never! The race is only beginning.
THE NEW SPACE RACE
When Jeff Bezos filed suit after NASA awarded Elon Musk the contract to develop a lander for our return to the moon, I had to investigate.
That’s when I found out that I missed the application window for a free trip around the moon in 2023 w/ yet another billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa.
How would humans live on Mars, anyway? NASA and its collaborators think that to live on Mars, we ought to practice somewhere in space that’s a little closer to home.
Gaining new experiences on and around the Moon will prepare NASA to send the first humans to Mars!
For the record, 95% of these photos are courtesy of NASA.
We need to conquer the moon. Why is living on the moon good practice for learning how to live on to Mars?
Let’s ask Genghis Khan.
HOW WOULD HUMANS LIVE ON MARS?
By practicing on the moon. Okay, I need to start even smaller. I need more practice sizing my photos!
QUICK SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAN
MOON & MARS : A FEW FACTS
MOON 238,000 miles
MARS 300,000,000 miles
MOON is less than a third of the width of Earth
MARS one-half the diameter of Earth…but because Mars has no oceans, its dry land surface is about the same as Earth!
MOON 29.5 Earth days (The moon is tidally locked to Earth. This means that the moon always faces Earth. If you were standing on the moon, Earth would never move in the sky! Talk about strange.)
MARS 24 hours, 37 minutes (This would be easier for us!)
MOON trip is about 3 days
MARS trip is about 210 days
You can see below that our fellow earthlings would already be on the other side of the sun by the time we arrived on Mars.
A six-day round trip tour around the moon is short in comparison!
HOW WOULD HUMANS LIVE ON MARS?
One thing is for certain; two of those guys above will need to find some footwear. Mars is rocky.
We need to get a handle on the hazards on a three-day trip before we take a seven month trip! Conquer the risk factors!
And before you decide if you would like to go to Mars, you ought to be aware of a few risk factors. (Yes, we know about the rocks.)
5 HAZARDS OF HUMANS LIVING OFF-PLANET (off-planet is a cool term!)
All right, we have a few problems. Let’s problem solve!
WHAT WOULD YOU NEED TO LIVE ON MARS?
Louie and microgravity antics below…
Back to how to live on Mars. We have a spacesuit. Where do we get the oxygen to breathe?
We can’t live in spacesuits 24/7 so we need an airtight habitat.
Currently, there are no oceans, lakes, or rivers on Mars.
One fact is certain, not a drop of water will go to waste.
What would you need to live on Mars? Food!
Okay, no delivery service but we still need to get around. Remember the rocks?
Thanks to NASA and their commercial partners, we have a vehicle. How will we gas it up? (There’s no BP on Mars just yet)
With Xenon (Xe) via ion propulsion.
Ion propulsion systems ionize (aka charge) atoms & then exploit their non-neutral charge to expel them from the spacecraft, creating thrust.
In this case, an electron is taken away, making the xenon positively charged.
We need power for our habitat, to keep the lights on! (I love electricity!) Mars is famous for its dust storms, but has no lightning storms. How will we manage? With our sun!
THE MOON AND MARS ARE CALLING
To date, 12 people have walked on the moon and 12 more have orbited her. Would you like to be the 25th? (Or like to help me get my photos formatted?)
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TO MARS? (now that you know what's what!)
We’ve answered the question, ‘what would you need to live on Mars.’ We missed the applications for the space ride but it’s not too late. Would you like to join the billionaires in the new space race?
NASA is recruiting for analog missions aka simulated Mars missions taking place right here on Earth. That could be quite an experience!
Have I convinced you to change your travel plans?
Would you like to go to Mars?
Fascinating! And I love seeing Louis in a space suit 🙂
He does look dashing, I agree! Thanks!
I would like to go to the Moon but Mars is a commitment. I’ll wait until they establish a colony–with hot coffee– before I make my decision!
I’d go to the Moon in a blink! I’m with you on the hot coffee angle. Thanks!
Personally, I probably wouldn’t go to Mars – or the moon. I’d rather stay right here on Earth, lol! But I agree with you that if I did go, coffee would be a must!
It’s great to know oneself! No to Mars and big yes to coffee! Thanks so much.
I didn’t know they were planning to build a space station to orbit the moon. I figured they’d only build a base in the moon to use as a staging post
I didn’t know that when I started researching, either. Space station to build a base on the moon’s south pole, then onward to Mars! Thanks.
Interesting! I don’t think I would want to go but am happy that it’s in the realm of possibility for others who want to venture out there.
You can cheer our future Martians on from Earth! I’m excited about exploring our solar system, too. Thanks so much.
First, congratulations on your book. Can’t wait to get a copy for my grandkids. Very thoughtful post about space travel and what our astronauts have to go through to explore new horizons for us. For me the hardest thing would be being away from family and also the isolation of being so far away. Would probably also miss some of the food that you can’t take with you in space. Great job. Keep it up. Mike
I’d miss the food, too! (Although chocolate is probably portable) You could take three people with you, but choosing who could be difficult. No worries, you can stay on Earth and read my book to your grandkids! Thanks so much, Mike!
I personally wouldn’t go to Mars but I have friends who always go on about wanting to visit there! This is such an interesting post, I learnt so much which I had no idea about. Thank you so much for sharing Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Now you can share some of the info and facts with your Mars-seeking friends. Thank you so much for stopping by!
The thought of having to live in an airtight habitat and that there’d be no greenery, lakes, or animals makes me vote no. I am looking forward to getting your book “Chemical Reactions” though, and placed my order this morning. It looks like a winner.
Thank you for pre-ordering my book! You can read it with the fall colors all around you and your adorable dog in your lap!
What an interesting post! I can’t say I’d like to go to Mars though – I’d die on the way of motion sickness! Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think space is bumpy…no wind to buffet the craft. I can see both sides to this decision. A comfy couch probably beats any seating on Orion! Thanks.
I don’t think I am open to traveling to Mars or to the Moon. I know that some people will definitely be excited with such an opportunity. Your post was really informative since I had no idea about any of these. Thank you!
Another stay-on-our-lovely-planet person! Breathing air without the aid of a spacesuit is underrated, without question. You’re so welcome!
Hi Sue, I guess whether I would go to Mars would depend on my mood that day. Sometimes it seems that we are all living on Mars, so what’s the big deal? I know a few politicians I’d like to send there…Have you ever done stand-up? You are so funny! Wait – you could be the first comedian on Mars!!Thanks for the funnest blog in the universe that I know of, and best of luck with your new book. I will definitely check it out!
HA! It does seem some days as if the entire human race is out in space. Maybe I could be the resident comedian! Potty jokes are an easy go-to, especially under these circumstances. I appreciate you checking out my book! Thanks, Marian.
This was so interesting to read. Space has always fascinated me. Thanks so much for sharing all this information!
You’re welcome! I’m happy you found my post informative. Thanks!
Really interesting post! I don’t like flying so I wouldn’t be any use to travel with haha.
HAHA! You aren’t the only one who doesn’t love flying. (Just look at your fellow commenters, for example!) Thanks for stopping by, Caroline!
This is brilliant! I would 100% live on Mars if I had everything I needed. In fact, the big bucket list on my blog has Mars listed as one of the places I want to visit! I actually think we’re all going to have to move to another planet if we don’t get a hold of this climate crisis. I really loved reading your post, really interesting!
Oh, how fun! I hit your bucket list. I’m happy that you loved reading my post. Thanks so much!
It is amazing to me that we have found the means to go off-planet and make life possible on other planets in our solar system livable. I do not think I will be signing up to got to Mars, but I love watching shifts in ways of life happen.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree, it is amazing that we’re actually going to have a base on the moon, so we can get to Mars! I’m excited to see what will come next, and excited that you read my post. Thanks so much!
Super interesting and informative post. I’ve always heard people jokingly say they’d rather live on Mars, and it’s intriguing to see what it would be like. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy you were intrigued and informed! All those fun ‘i’ adjectives! Thanks so much.
I would definitely go if I was fit enough as it would be an incredible experience and something that I think would impact me in a deep way. The info you laid out so well shows me I wouldn’t be a good candidate right now — but maybe I can dream!
I agree, I think going to the Moon or Mars would change a person. You can let the first wave of explorers go while you get yourself in shape! Baby steps, all the way to Mars! Thanks, Molly!
I love your posts and the comments on the photos. I don’t think I’m the sort to go to Mars I like my home comforts too much and not keen on the thought of drinking urine or all the weird co-ordination problems which would be faced. Great article.
Weird coordination wouldn’t bother me so much but the thought of drinking my co-astronaut’s urine makes me a little queasy, too! If you think about it, we are drinking the same water that, say, Napoleon or Marie Curie or George Washington drank. Maybe we shouldn’t think about that, either? Thanks, Lou!
I knew this would be fun before I started reading 😂. I will stay right here on Earth, let the billionaires go first. Also congratulations on your book
Billionaires first, to get the bugs out! Good philosophy. I’m happy that you found my post fun! Thanks so much.
This is such an interesting post! Thank you for sharing this! It’s so well presented and researched! I have definitely learned something new from this post!
Fantastic! I aim to please. Thanks so much.
I just saw a video about living on Mars and it says is possible but need to make it work for us. I would love to give Mars a visit.
I think it would be an experience, too! Maybe we’ll be able to go…after the billionaires, that is. Thanks!
I would love to make the journey and live on Mars. It is such a beautiful planet, I think if it were possible in my lifetime to live on Mars, I think I would!
I think it will be possible in your lifetime! Bring your phone so you can take lots of pics. Thanks!
What an interesting post! I’ve always been fascinated with space and the possibility of life on other planets. However, I think humans are best on Earth. I wonder how much will change in the next 100 years.
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
I expect the tech advancements on Earth 100 years from now would blow our minds! As exciting as that sounds, I also hope our environment does not change. As you say, humans are best suited for Earth. f we’re going to stay here, we need to take care of our planet! (All right, getting off the soapbox now!) Thanks, Olivia!
Ooo, this is so interesting. I would love to go out of curiosity and the experience, but I think my anxiety over the journey would stop me lol
I tend to be anxious, too. We’ll need to meditate before we step on board! I’m happy that you found my post interesting. Thanks!
Love this – this is such an interesting post! The idea of visiting Mars quite frankly terrifies me, but I reckon I would still be up for visiting – although I don’t think I’d want to spend a lifetime there, haha! Thanks for sharing, this was fascinating.
Maybe just a vacation on Mars, then? We’ll need to let the intrepid explorers set things up first! The idea of going off-planet is fascinating, thanks so much!
Really interesting post! And not only that, but I’ve loved reading everyone else’s comments too! I’d like to say I’d go to Mars, definitely for a visit. I wonder if I’d chicken out on the day though haha.
Perhaps they have alternates in the event that someone does get cold feet? (Or becomes ill?) I see people waiting on the bench at yoga, in the event that someone is a no show. I feel sympathetic, with an urge to give them my spot, while at the same time fortunate and grateful to be taking class! Going to Mars is a far bigger commitment. ha! Thank you!
I would love to go to Mars, I’m fascinated with space. But after going on the space craft simulator in Disney, I think I’ll stick to watching documentaries!
Corinne x
I’d love to try the spacecraft simulator! Watching documentaries while sipping tea is another fine way to approach Mars! Thanks so much!
Whilst this was really interesting to read, I dont think I’d like to live on Mars. I like my home comforts too much.
I understand that….says Sue, sitting on the couch with her blanket and tea! Thanks for stopping by!
I used to be obsessed with stargazing when I was younger, I had my own little telescope and everything. Although I definitely wouldn’t travel to Mars given the chance, it’s incredible the progress being made though!
A telescope! How fun. You must have a good handle on celestial objects, including Mars. No need to go if you don’t want. You can keep an eye on Mars from here. Thanks, Sophie!
I love your posts as always. The enjoy ones on Twitter requiring full time and attention. With great insights. Your humor is a killer, how to turn around to end most of the points with humor, is a genius write! OK desserts, just happy. But just a camel, so not water.
I don’t know. I have always thought we lived here because earth had life. Life friendly planet. If Mars has nothing, we can’t live there for maybe longer than a week. Though now I’ve forgotten who had lived there the longest. Probably minutes, hours, days. Hypothetically, guess can’t happen beyond a week. Always great info. Thanks for the knowledge. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
I’m so happy that you enjoy my humor! I make myself chortle but since our boys think I’m a total dork, I wonder if I’m actually funny or pathetic! Earth is a precious, life-friendly planet! Scientists think that there are mysteries to be solved on Mars, including whether or not there was life at one point. It will be exciting to watch what transpires, not to mention the advances in tech that NASA and partners will hurry to develop. That can only help us here on Earth!
Off my soapbox now. Thanks so much for reading my post, Isa!
No desire to go to Mars, but I did enjoy the 2015 film, “The Martian” with Matt Damon. That movie explored some of the creative ways for recycling water and growing food from human waste. Remember when the astronauts went to the Moon and Tang and freeze-dried ice cream was the rage?
I liked the book ‘The Martian’ and thought they did a great job with the film. I still laugh when I think about their inventive use of duct tape but yes, many of the technologies in the film mirror actual tech. TANG! I can’t imagine how anyone would think watery orange-flavored water is superior to freshly squeezed OJ! Thanks, Kathy!
This is such a fun post! Space has always been a huge fascination for me. It also really scares me – when I think about the expanse but that’s what makes it even more exciting. As for Mars, I mean, it’d be an adventure, wouldn’t it?
Going to. Mars would be a wild, exhilarating adventure, without question. Good thing we’re practicing on the moon first. I’m happy you liked my post. Thanks, Jenny!