The Human-Crewed Mission to Mars - Essay Example

Introduction One of the current debates in political, scientific and social realms is related to whether there should be a manned mission that is sent to Mars. There are many that believe that this specific option will allow for a deeper understanding of different planets as well as the substances and life forms that may be on Mars. More importantly, planning a trip to Mars will help to increase the levels of technology that are currently being used for manned missions beyond the moon (Melillo et al, http://www.osd.rutgers.edu/gs/09papers/Mars.pdf). Even though this specific concept is one that is being pushed by political and scientific agendas, many are also opposed to the idea. The cost of the mission would be over $6 million that comes from the government. More importantly, the unknowingness of the scientific and political needs would cause a high level of risk for those that are planning to take the mission (McDougall, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/fabrics/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=224400444). Even though there is risk and expense that is a part of a manned mission to mars, the return of knowledge, technology and evolution would make the mission worth while. The manned mission would help to change the way that many look at scientific discoveries and possibilities for technology. Economic Questions of the Mission The first question that arises about the manned mission to Mars is the economic considerations. The economic stance in the current economy is one that is facing difficulties from the recession and the inability to revitalize the monetary needs through the government. Because of the difficulties and complications in the economy, many are suspecting that there will have to be funds from private sources that carry a large amount of wealth. Those who are opposed to the mission are questioning where the funds will come from and how an average of $6 million can be raised without the proper amount of economic funds from the government. More importantly, the ability to receive outside funding is considered difficult as the amount of information for funding and the available budget allocations have not been set with specific details of what is needed (Livingston, http://www.spacefuture.com/archive/from_earth_to_mars_a_cooperative_plan.shtml). Even though there is some difficulty in the planning of the economic needs and strains, there are also several opportunities that can assist in the needs for the mission. The way to overcome the problems with the economy is to begin creating strategic opportunities to complete the mission. For instance, there was a current announcement by Obama that it was possible to send the mission to Mars by 2030. The allocated budget and expectations have been set for the private and public sectors. The goals of the mission, needs for technology and collaboration with NASA have all led to the possibility of creating the manned mission and of changing the economic course for the mission. With the right plans, steps and strategies for the budget, the amount necessary can easily be reached without hurting the economy through private, public or governmental sectors (Gavirgahi, http://www.redcolony.com/art.php?id=0501220). Risk Factors with a Manned Mission The second problem that many are looking into is the amount of risk that can come from sending individuals to Mars. The first risk is from the long term flight that has never been taken before. While there have been shorter trips, as well as technology that have taken the trip, the ability to send a human is one that has never reached full potential. The risk is not only coming from the difficulties with a longer mission, but is also related to the elements that are on Mars. NASA has found that debris, dust and specific compounds that are on Mars may be a health hazard to man. Since there has never been exposure to the dust and other concepts, it could lead to the dust filling the lungs of the men and causing damage. Bodily harm, inability to use water and other health hazards are all known problems that could make the journey to Mars more difficult to take (Carey, http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/051101_science_tuesday.html). The problem with risk is one that has two difficulties which essentially many believe can’t be solved. The first is that there isn’t the ability to understand what the exact compounds and elements are, as well as how individuals would respond to this. More importantly, the ability to create a specific experience is one that can’t be defined until the astronauts decide to go and come back with the information that is needed. However, NASA has already begun the training and is expected to continue with the seven main astronauts for the next twenty years in preparation of going. More importantly, they are looking at the dust, debris, elements and water to make sure that the men are prepared for the unknown. The trip to Mars preparation for the risk factors will also be supported by technology that is being created to support the men on the mission. While there will always be risk, most will be prepared for as the men go to Mars through the years of training and the technology that can support and assist the mission (Janelle, https://home.comcast.net/~davejanelle/mars.htm). Technological Functions and the Mission The third element that many are concerned about with the manned mission to Mars is based on the technology and functions that will be used to assist the astronauts on their trip to Mars. Programs and spaceship development that will be used dates back to the 1970s to help with the long distance movement of the space ship and to provide extra support to the mission that is taking place. However, many believe that the engineering process that has been used, as well as the specific components that have been put in place for the mission are not completely developed. More importantly, many are uncertain if this will support the needs of sending a manned mission, as opposed to the technology missions that have been used in the past. The question that many have is whether there is enough technological support that is advanced enough to support the human element, as opposed to only balancing different technologies (Wade, http://www.astronautix.com/craftfam/martions.htm). Even though the misunderstandings of technology are prevalent, as well as the need to understand whether the advancements will work, there are still opportunities that can be used for the mission. NASA is currently investigating ways to move forward the technology that is needed to ensure that there is safety and the correct features with the technology that will be used. Creating different design changes to the technology that is used and understanding the differences that are needed will assist in creating the right features for the mission. For instance, NASA understands that one of the potential problems will be gravity differences since the planet is so far from the sun. Since they already know that this is a proponent of the mission, they can take specific steps to change how humans relate to the gravity change as well as how they will be able to work through the mission to make sure that the right adjustments are made. More importantly, the technological features can continue to advance to balance out what is needed for both the longer journey and for the specific needs in technology that will be on the planet (Phillips, http://space-exploration.suite101.com/article.cfm/problems_for_manned_mars_missions). Conclusion Even though there are several potential risks with sending a manned mission to Mars in terms of technology, the human element and finances, the opportunity and possibility exceeds the problems. Many of the issues that politicians, scientists and those in society are looking at can easily be overcome with knowledge and specific skills and tools (Malgaj, http://searchwarp.com/swa538595-Why-Should-We-Send-A-Manned-Mission-To-Mars.htm). For most, the possibilities are easily able to overcome the potential problems that could arise for the mission. The economic needs can easily be reached with a strategy, budgeting and other plans. Human risk can be prepared for because of the knowledge and training that will be developed. Furthermore, technological components will continue to develop and expand to assist those that are taking the trip. More than risk and difficulties that are a part of a manned trip to Mars are opportunities and advancement that will arise from the opportunity. By sending men to Mars, there will be a deeper understanding of the planet and our galaxy. More importantly, new steps can be taken on Earth for the care and needs that are here. The technological advancements that will be forced to come out of the mission will also provide for new opportunities and evolution for scientists (Harwood, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/14/tech/main6394612.shtml). By looking at and overcoming the risks, there will be more opportunity to evolve within technology and as a planet while allowing discovery to take Earth one step further in the knowledge it has of the galaxy. Works Cited Carey, Bjorn. “Martian Dust Major Risk to Manned Mission.” Space , 2005. Retrieved from: http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/051101_science_tuesday.html. Gaviraghi, Giorgio. “Terraforming Mars: an Economic Recruitment.” Red Colony 2005, Retrieved from: http://www.redcolony.com/art.php?id=0501220. Harwood, William. “Obama Envisions Manned Mars Mission for NASA.” CBS News. 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/14/tech/main6394612.shtml. Janelle, David. “Humans to Mars.” 2005. Retrieved from: https://home.comcast.net/~davejanelle/mars.htm. Livingston, DM. “From Earth to Mars: A Cooperative Plan.” Mars Society (2000). Retrieved from: http://www.spacefuture.com/archive/from_earth_to_mars_a_cooperative_plan.shtml. Malgaj, Luka. “Why Should We Send a Manned Mission to Mars?” 2009. Retrieved from: http://searchwarp.com/swa538595-Why-Should-We-Send-A-Manned-Mission-To-Mars.htm. Melillo, Rosa, Justin Petronglo, Cristina Sorice, Albert Wu. “Project Mars: A Thorough Evaluation of a Manned Mission to Mars.” 2009. Retrieved from: http://www.osd.rutgers.edu/gs/09papers/Mars.pdf. McDougall, Paul. “Obama Wants Manned Mission to Mars.” Information Week, 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/fabrics/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=224400444. Phillips, Andre. “Problems for Manned Mars Missions.” 2007. Retrieved from: http://space-exploration.suite101.com/article.cfm/problems_for_manned_mars_missions. s Wade, Mark. “Mars Expeditions.” 2005. Retrieved from: http://www.astronautix.com/craftfam/martions.htm. Read More