Putting humans on Mars has long been the dream of science fiction stories. But as our technology and spacefaring knowledge increase, that dream becomes closer to reality.
China has announced plans to launch a manned space mission to Mars in 2033. What does this mean for the future of space travel? Will there be a colony on Mars?
If you’re itching for an answer to these questions, we’ve got you covered. We’ve written a quick primer on upcoming human-crewed space expeditions to the Red Planet. Read on to learn more!
Paving the Way: Unmanned Mars Expeditions
Before we can have a manned space expedition to Mars, we need to learn as much as we can about the planet.
Several rovers and probes have gone to Mars in the past two decades. For example, NASA’s Opportunity rover lasted nearly fifteen years, collecting valuable data and photographs.
The NASA Phoenix rover discovered water below the surface but was lost in a storm. It was replaced by Curiosity, which is still roaming the surface today.
In 2021, NASA landed another rover on Mars, the Perseverance. This rover is tasked with collecting samples to look for evidence of life. It also carries a small helicopter to test flying on Mars.
China, Russia, India, and the European Union have all launched similar rovers and orbiters. Unfortunately, the rovers were lost at launch or shortly after. However, several orbiters still function and help to monitor the NASA rovers on the surface.
The Moon: A Manned Space Mission Proving Ground
According to NASA, efforts to study the moon are increasing. Before a manned Mars mission, launches, landings, and long-term habitations can be tested on the lunar surface.
NASA is also investing in a long-term mission to support sustainable lunar exploration. This includes The Gateway, which serves as a launch station and base for long-term lunar expeditions.
The Gateway is vital to future Mars expeditions as it allows us to test surface habitation, cultivate food and water supplies, and deliver supplies from Earth over long distances.
The Space Race Is Back On
With China’s announcement of a manned expedition to Mars in 2033, it seems like the pressure is back on for NASA and other space travel organizations.
Not much is known of China’s plans, except planned expeditions in 2033, 2035, and 2037. They successfully landed a rover on the surface earlier in 2021.
Some of the logistical hurdles include sustaining human life, mining for resources such as water, and developing a way to send the astronauts back home.
China’s rover program is currently searching for viable sites to build a launch station for return voyages and potential resource extraction sites.
NASA claims they do not see a crewed NASA mars mission happening before 2037. However, China’s plans for a Mars mission may speed up that timeline.
NASA collaborates with international teams and private companies (like the SpaceX Mars mission) to get to Mars. If you would like to help fund Mars missions, visit www.bytefederal.com to purchase Marscoin.
The Future of Mars
While there are a lot of technological and logistical hurdles to sending a manned space mission to Mars, it is coming soon.
Human-crewed expeditions to Mars capture our collective imaginations of living on other planets and making breakthrough scientific discoveries. It is truly an exciting time to be alive!
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