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Humans to Mars: a feasibility and cost-benefit analysis
Bethany L Ehlmann1, Jeeshan Chowdhury, Timothy C Marzullo
1Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. bethany.ehlmann@wustl.edu
Acta Astronautica
|April 20, 2005
Summary
A human mission to Mars offers significant economic and educational benefits, outweighing exploration risks. Key challenges like radiation and microgravity are manageable with developing technologies, making the decision political.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
- Human Spaceflight
Background:
- Mars presents a prime target for astrobiological research.
- Human missions offer unparalleled scientific data collection opportunities.
- Exploration alone is insufficient justification for the inherent risks of human missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the driving factors for a human mission to Mars.
- To assess the feasibility and justification of human Mars exploration.
- To identify key challenges and enabling technologies for human Mars missions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of economic feasibility for human Mars missions.
- Assessment of educational impacts and inspiration potential.
- Review of technological readiness for mitigating human physiological risks (radiation, microgravity).
Main Results:
- Economic benefits include high-technology industry growth.
- Educational benefits involve inspiring future scientists and engineers.
- Technological solutions for radiation and microgravity are nearing maturity within decades.
Conclusions:
- Human missions to Mars are driven by economics and education, not solely exploration.
- The decision to send humans to Mars is political, emphasizing societal benefits.
- Technological advancements make human Mars missions increasingly viable.