#177 - Earth Day – Mars Day

Here is a very cool picture of a Mars landscape. The picture was taken on March 27, 2014 by the Curiosity rover currently exploring the planet as part of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission. The picture credit is Nasa / JPL-Caltech/MSSS. The composite / editing was done by Jason Major.

"City on Mars" 
Frank R. Paul, 1940

In years past, the traditional mental image of Mars (and associated Martians) has been influenced by science fiction stories that conjure up strange landscapes and exotic cityscapes.

However, science non-fiction has provided us with real photos that often present a landscape that seems very earth-like in appearance. That is until we remember that the temperature on Mars can drop to minus 125 degrees C (-195F) in the winter. The thin atmosphere is a lethal blend of 95% CO2. For breathing, human safety generally requires monitoring in the 0-5,000ppm CO2 range.

Here is another picture in the Mars series.

From the Mars One website:

Mars One is a not-for-profit foundation that will establish a permanent human settlement on Mars. Human settlement on Mars is possible today with existing technologies. Mars One mission plan integrates components that are well tested and readily available from industry leaders worldwide. The first footprint on Mars and lives of the crew thereon will captivate and inspire generations; it is this public interest that will help finance this human mission to Mars.

The Mars One mission plan consists of cargo missions and unmanned preparation of a habitable settlement, followed by human landings. In the coming years, a demonstration mission, communication satellites, two rovers and several cargo missions will be sent to Mars. These missions will set up the outpost where the human crew will live and work.

Before a manned Mars mission happens, it probably makes sense to re-visit our heavy propulsion and lunar capabilities. All of the technology proven out for reusable rockets and a successful moon mission will have direct relevance to a Mars mission. And the moon is a lot closer. The people at SpaceX are working on these issues.

Maybe when we have people successfully living and working on Mars, we will have Mars Day as a follow-up to Earth Day. It is fascinating to think about a Mars mission and possible Mars habitation. However, it is equally fascinating to see the wonders all around us here on planet earth. Here are some beautiful photos inspired by Earth Day - https://mybeautifulearth.withgoogle.com/