Grayson West
Mars has always been the ultimate prize in space exploration, but the journey isn’t a straight shot. The US has sent rovers, orbiters, and landers like Perseverance and Curiosity, but sending humans? That’s a whole new ballgame. So, here are ten hurdles keeping Mars just out of reach and what it will take to overcome them.
Technological Barriers
Designing spacecraft capable of surviving the harsh environment of Mars is no small feat. Developing advanced propulsion systems and lightweight yet durable materials remains a challenge. For example, current propulsion technology could take around nine months to reach Mars. NASA’s Artemis program is a step forward, but more innovation is needed.
Radiation Exposure
Mars doesn’t have a magnetic field to shield it against cosmic radiation like Earth does. This makes astronauts vulnerable to long-term exposure that could damage cells and tissues. In 2020, NASA introduced hydrogen-based polyethylene shielding prototypes for spacecraft. However, no material has been fully tested against the intensity of cosmic rays during prolonged missions.
Psychological Strain
How would you handle living in a confined space for years? Isolation and limited interaction can lead to anxiety and depression. Plus, in a 2021 study, simulated Mars missions showed increasing stress levels over time. That’s why teams must develop mental health support systems, including virtual reality therapy and communication strategies, to keep spirits high.
Physical Health Risks
Space takes a toll on the body. Extended weightlessness causes muscles to weaken and bones to thin. For instance, astronauts aboard the ISS lose 1% of bone density per month, making Mars missions a major risk for osteoporosis. NASA’s treadmill and resistance training programs help, but solutions for long-term missions are still evolving.
Financial Constraints
A ticket to Mars isn’t cheap. NASA’s projected Mars budget exceeds $100 billion, and funding fluctuations slow progress. NASA’s budget, approximately $25 billion annually, is often reallocated to pressing concerns on Earth. Even collaborative funding from private companies like SpaceX can only fill part of the gap, leaving many planned projects delayed or scaled back.
Political Uncertainty
Space policies shift as administrations change. Long-term missions, like a Mars landing, require decades of commitment. The cancellation of NASA’s Constellation program in 2010 showed how political priorities could derail plans. For this, building bipartisan support and securing international partnerships are vital to sustaining Mars-focused efforts over time.
Logistical Challenges
Supplying astronauts with necessities like water, food, and oxygen over a 34-million-mile distance is daunting. NASA estimates a Mars mission would need 1,000 tons of supplies. The Perseverance rover’s MOXIE experiment, which extracts oxygen from Mars’ atmosphere, offers hope. However, producing resources locally at the required scale is still a distant reality.
Landing On Mars
Mars doesn’t make landings easy. Landing humans on Mars isn’t just about aiming at the right spot. Mars’ atmosphere is only 1% as dense as Earth’s, making it tough to slow spacecraft during descent. In 2012, the Curiosity rover relied on a complex sky crane system, but scaling such technology for heavy human landers remains unproven.
Communication Delays
Mars missions aren’t like Earth orbits, where astronauts receive near-instant help from mission control. With a 13-minute delay each way, troubleshooting life-or-death situations on Mars requires self-reliant systems. AI-driven assistants, like NASA’s recently developed autonomous rover navigation, may hold the key to bridging this gap for human crews.
Planetary Protection Concerns
Sending humans to Mars risks contamination—both ways. Ensuring Mars stays pristine while protecting Earth from Martian contaminants is a balancing act. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty mandates strict sterilization measures, but humans complicate this. Astronauts could inadvertently introduce Earth microbes to Mars or bring back harmful microorganisms.