Could We Really Colonize Mars? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Could We Really Colonize Mars?

Operation: Colonize Mars

26
Could We Really Colonize Mars?
SpaceX

Mars, the “Red Planet”, lies just across the asteroid belt from Earth in our Solar System. On average, a mere 54 million kilometers (33.9 million miles) separates Earth and Mars when they are closest to each other. This occurs when Earth is at its aphelion, meaning the furthest distance from the Sun in orbit, and Mars, inversely, is at its Perihelion, meaning the closest distance from the Sun in orbit. Now I think anyone is able to recognize that 54 million kilometers is a massive distance and is almost unfathomable to the mind, however, it could soon become an immersive reality to travel this distance in just a few months. Thanks to Elon Musk, founder of the American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company, SpaceX, we could soon set foot on the desolate, rusty surface of Mars.

Elon Musk founded the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) in 2002 with the vision to reduce space transportation costs and make colonizing Mars a reality. SpaceX is currently contracted by the United States government to ship supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) and has successfully launched over 30 separate missions for governments and entities across the world. SpaceX is also privately-funded which allows research and development to thrive year-round. As you can see Elon Musk’s company has quickly become the top candidate for traveling to Mars.

On September 27th, 2016, Elon Musk held an elaborate and immersive keynote presentation to the International Astronautical Congress. Wondering what his presentation consisted of? Simply put the human colonization of Mars. He envisions the very first manned-trip to Mars to occur in late 2024 and once you watch his keynote you will totally agree! Using methane-fueled reusable spaceships and the largest rocket ever built there is a strong possibility around 100 people will begin the six-month journey to the Red Planet. Musk is confident that interplanetary travel is the imminent future and ensures the humans of Earth that he will make it happen.

SpaceX has designed the new Mars Vehicle after the current rocket body set to launch in 2017, the Falcon Heavy. The Falcon Heavy current produces around 5,130,000 lbf of thrust at sea level during take-off. The new Mars Vehicle being developed by SpaceX produces an astonishing 28,730,000 lbf of thrust at takeoff! What is the magic behind a nearly 500 percent increase in thrust? The answer is the Raptor rocket engine designed and developed by SpaceX. Each rocket produces 690,000 lbf of thrust. That being said, the Mars Vehicle developed by SpaceX will consist of 42 Raptor rocket engines. The Mars Vehicle will feature a spaceship capable of holding over 100 people and is constructed with an advanced type of carbon fiber. All of this basically means that this Mars Vehicle created by SpaceX is going to massive and unprecedented.

Humans have been fascinated by the idea of setting foot on the rusty surface of Mars for decades. In a matter of years, this could finally take place. The idea of colonizing Mars consists of many ideas and aspects, so join me in the next part of “Operation: Colonize Mars” next week as I discuss the importance of a journey to Mars and terraforming the Red Planet.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

686
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

4105
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

2525
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201889
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments