Content generated by our volunteers related to the science and generation of knowledge that will enable the future inhabitation of Mars.
Mars has long been known as the “Red Planet” of our solar system for its distinctive red colour. Its earliest recorded name, “Har decher”, literally meant “Red One” in Egyptian. But why exactly is Mars red? Mars’ surface is dominated… Read More »Why Is Mars Red? The Science Behind Its Surface Colour
Can we endure Martian isolation? Can we survive Martian gravity? Can we build with Martian soil? Can we access Martian water? An analysis of the ‘Mysteries of Mars’ suggests that we can! Infographic by Ryan Mintz
As we stand on the brink of a new era in space exploration, the coming years promise to advance our knowledge of Mars like never before. It is important that both scientists and astronomy-enthusiasts alike understand the future of Mars… Read More »Mars Exploration Milestones: What’s Next for the Red Planet?
Header image: Artist’s impression of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docking with the International Space Station (image source: NASA/SpaceX.) “We have a violent left roll here at the present time and we can’t turn the RCS off…” NASA ASTRONAUT NEIL ARMSTRONG,… Read More »Rocket Physics, the Hard Way: Spacecraft Maneuvering and Control
Header image: Artist’s impression of an Apollo capsule re-entry (image source: NASA.) “That was a real fireball, boy. I had great chunks of that retropack breaking off all the way through…” NASA astronaut John Glenn, reporting to mission control shortly… Read More »Rocket Physics, the Hard Way: Re-entry and Hypersonic Flight
Header image: Artist’s impression of Perseverance in powered descent under its skycrane (image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech.) Perseverance successfully landed on Mars in 2021! Previous installments of Rocket Physics, the Hard Way have discussed the rocket equation and astrodynamics in the context… Read More »Rocket Physics Special: The Physics of Perseverance
Header image: NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor harvests kale and lettuce from the Veggie (Vegetable Production System) experiment on the International Space Station (ESA/Alexander Gerst) “‘They say once you grow crops somewhere, you have officially colonized it. So, technically, I colonized Mars.… Read More »ISRU Part IV: How to Grow Food on Mars
Access to energy is arguably the most important indicator of a civilization’s development. On Mars, having access to energy can mean the difference between life and death – not only is it necessary to power life support systems, but it… Read More »ISRU Part III: How to Generate Energy on Mars
In Part I, we discussed making the essentials for life on Mars: fuel, oxygen, and water. After the initial exploration phase, the construction of permanent settlements and structures will begin to become a priority. When humanity settles Mars, Martian architects… Read More »ISRU Part II: How to Make Construction Materials on Mars
Of the plethora of acronyms in Mars exploration circles, one in particular forms the cornerstone of many Mars and Moon exploration plans: In-Situ Resource Utilization, or ISRU. It is key to establishing a permanent human presence beyond Earth, and both… Read More »ISRU Part I: How to Make Fuel, Oxygen, and Water on Mars