 | |
| human travel 2021 |
The mysteries of the solar system are still far from being fully understood, as scientists face many challenges in space that prevent many discoveries.
For decades now, since humans reached the moon, the next target has been Mars. While humans have yet to land on the Red Planet, NASA has managed to land its latest robotic rover, Perseverance, on Mars after a 300-mile journey.
human travel
The landing, which made the probe the ninth spacecraft to land on Mars, marks the start of a mission to search for signs of past life on the planet.
Here's what you need to know about the distance to Mars, and why we haven't reached the Red Planet yet.
How long does it take to reach Mars?
Despite NASA's continued efforts, until recently, sending humans to the Red Planet seemed like a distant goal.
According to the US space agency, we can now expect humans to land on Mars within the next two decades.
human travel
Reaching the planet would be a feat in itself, as Mars is located between 234 and 250 million miles (376 and 402 million km) from Earth, depending on the planets orbiting the sun.
On average, the distance between Earth and Mars is 140 million miles (225 million km), according to NASA
 |
| human travel 2021 |
And if you were to get to Mars based on current spacecraft speeds, it would take around nine months, according to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center website.
An unmanned spacecraft traveling to Mars would take between 128 and 333 days to reach the Red Planet.
human travel
According to physics professor Craig Patten of the University of California at San Diego, the trip could be shortened by burning more fuel, but it would not be advisable.
Currently, the space agency is following a five-step plan to send astronauts there, but the likely outcome would be a trip of at least three years to and from the planet.
What other challenges face astronauts landing on Mars?
The health of astronauts on Mars is a major challenge for scientists and researchers for several reasons.
According to Dorit Donoville, director of the Translational Research Institute for Space Health, the number one reason is the length of the flight.
 | ||
| human travel 2021 |
And since the astronauts will be away for about three years, that means any health issue that occurs far from Earth needs to be addressed, making even the most minor ailments a cause for concern.
human travel
“Having a small pebble in space, for example, can be life-threatening,” Douville said. “In addition to these regular concerns that can arise during this mission, we are going to have a very hostile environment for the space environment and therefore we are going to have to deal with situations in which they have to provide their own health care.
Researchers also need to consider the psychological effects of flight, which will see astronauts confined to small spaces for long periods.
Once humans reach the planet, they will still be confined to space suits, as temperatures on Mars are extreme and capable of changing 170 degrees per day.
In addition to being below zero on average, the air on the planet is also largely made up of carbon dioxide.
human travel
Source: The Independent