Humans to Mars: a feasibility and cost-benefit analysis.
Mars is a compelling astrobiological target, and a human mission would provide an opportunity to collect immense amounts of scientific data. Exploration alone, however, cannot justify the increased risk. Instead, three factors drive a human mission: economics, education, and exploration. A human mission has a unique potential to inspire the next generation of young people to enter critically needed science and engineering disciplines. A mission is economically feasible, and the research and development program put in place for a human mission would propel growth in related high-technology industries. The main hurdles are human physiological responses to 1-2 years of radiation and microgravity exposure. However, enabling technologies are sufficiently mature in these areas that they can be developed within a few decade timescale. Hence, the decision of whether or not to undertake a human mission to Mars is a political decision, and thus, educational and economic benefits are the crucial factors.
Ehlmann
Bethany L
BL
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. bethany.ehlmann@wustl.edu
Chowdhury
Jeeshan
J
Marzullo
Timothy C
TC
Collins
R Eric
RE
Litzenberger
Julie
J
Ibsen
Stuart
S
Krauser
Wendy R
WR
DeKock
Brandon
B
Hannon
Michael
M
Kinnevan
Jessica
J
Shepard
Rebekah
R
Grant
F Douglas
FD
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D018535:Mars; D011835:Radiation Protection; D013026:Space Flight / Q000191:economics* / Q000193:education; D018531:Spacecraft; D014481:United States; D018557:United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Q000191:economics*; D014867:Water; D014893:Weightlessness
D014867:Water