Is Mars Colonization Feasible? Astronauts Won't Return

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of colonizing Mars, specifically addressing the implications of astronauts living permanently on the planet and the potential challenges of returning to Earth. Participants explore physiological changes, environmental conditions, and hypothetical scenarios regarding human adaptation to Martian gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that after a certain period on Mars, physiological changes would make it impossible for astronauts to return to Earth due to reduced bone density and muscle strength.
  • Another participant argues that if the living conditions on Mars are similar to Earth's atmosphere, astronauts could potentially return, although they might need rehabilitation for their movement abilities.
  • A later reply questions whether astronauts would be able to tolerate the G forces during reentry into Earth's atmosphere after living in a lower gravity environment.
  • One participant speculates that if a return mission were planned, intense training would be necessary for astronauts to handle the increased gravitational forces, especially for future generations born on Mars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of returning to Earth after living on Mars, with some believing it is possible under certain conditions, while others argue that significant physiological changes would hinder this ability. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the effects of long-term exposure to Martian gravity and the potential need for advanced training or technology to facilitate a return to Earth. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

Biosyn
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Is this feasible? The astronauts that are traveling to Mars will not be returning and instead will live on the planet for the rest of their lives...

At first, I thought this was some sort of hoax.

Source: http://mars-one.com/en/mission/is-this-really-possible

Furthermore, there is a point in time after which the human body will have adjusted to the 38% gravitation field of Mars and be incapable of returning to the Earth's much stronger gravity. This is due to the total physiological change in the human body which includes reduction in bone density, muscle strength, and circulatory system capacity. While a cosmonaut on-board the Mir was able to walk upon return to Earth after thirteen months in a weightless environment, there may be a duration on Mars after which the human body will not be able to adjust to the higher gravity of Earth upon return.
 
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I'm pretty sure they could be able to return and still being able to live here. The fact that the rover and the rooms (I'm imaging it somehow like 2001) would be pressurized similar to the atmosphere of Earth means that there wouldn't be a huge change on the oxygenation rate of the astronauts.

The main issue here would be the bone density and their movement ability. If they are in good shape, they could come here and recover in a short time, however most of them would require some therapy in order to recover, just like people who recovered movement of their legs after a long paralyzed state.
 
Rono said:
I'm pretty sure they could be able to return and still being able to live here. The fact that the rover and the rooms (I'm imaging it somehow like 2001) would be pressurized similar to the atmosphere of Earth means that there wouldn't be a huge change on the oxygenation rate of the astronauts.

The main issue here would be the bone density and their movement ability. If they are in good shape, they could come here and recover in a short time, however most of them would require some therapy in order to recover, just like people who recovered movement of their legs after a long paralyzed state.


After living on Mars for a substantial amount of time, do you think they will be able to tolerate the G forces encountered when reentering Earth's atmosphere?
And that is if they ever come back. I don't think they are planning a return stage of this mission. :frown:
 
Biosyn said:
After living on Mars for a substantial amount of time, do you think they will be able to tolerate the G forces encountered when reentering Earth's atmosphere?
And that is if they ever come back. I don't think they are planning a return stage of this mission. :frown:

I'm totally considering a hypothetical scenario where they would plan a return mission. Among the original or first and second generations in Mars, it would be required an intense training to handle forces of 10g, specially when they are used to a force of 0.4g (the gravity of Mars). However, I think that after that, due to evolution, it would be needed a training maybe more intense than what's known for us. Unless a special anti-force suit is done, it would be impossible to handle 10g for the later generations.
 

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