Travel to Mars: The next giant leap for mankind

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  quantumrun Foresight
• June 17, 2024

Insight summary

Companies are joining the race to Mars, developing technologies that could significantly boost human space exploration. Alongside advancements in propulsion technology, this endeavor signals a broader movement towards commercial and efficient interplanetary travel. This trend holds the promise of reshaping various sectors, fostering global collaboration, and potentially altering our approach to education and employment in anticipation of a future where Mars is within reach.

Travel to Mars context

California-based companies Relativity Space and Impulse Space announced in 2022 their plans to launch a mission to Mars by 2024, positioning themselves alongside SpaceX in the emerging race to the Red Planet. Relativity Space, having raised over USD $1 billion in funding, is pioneering 3D printing for most of its spacecraft, including the Terran 1 rocket. The development of the Terran R rocket aims to surpass the capabilities of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and is earmarked for the Mars mission's inaugural flight.

Meanwhile, Impulse Space brings a wealth of experience through its founder, former SpaceX engineer Tom Mueller. Mueller's expertise in propulsion technologies aims to democratize space travel with non-toxic, cost-efficient thrusters for in-space propulsion. The partnership between these two firms signifies a broader industry trend toward commercializing space exploration. This initiative not only demonstrates the feasibility of private sector-led interplanetary missions but also showcases the innovative approaches being adopted to overcome the challenges of deep space travel.

Parallel to these developments, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is advancing nuclear thermal propulsion technology through the DRACO program. This initiative aims to reduce the travel time to Mars, estimated to be seven months. By harnessing nuclear power, the DRACO (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations) spacecraft, slated for launch by 2026, promises to enhance the efficiency and safety of manned missions to Mars. This technology potentially mitigates the risks associated with prolonged exposure to space radiation and reduces the logistical burden of carrying supplies for the journey. 

Disruptive impact

As space agencies and private companies expand their missions, the demand for a wide range of skills, from engineering to healthcare, is expected to rise significantly. This trend may encourage more students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, knowing their expertise could directly contribute to human presence on another planet. Moreover, the global interest in Mars exploration could foster a new sense of unity and purpose, inspiring individuals to look beyond terrestrial concerns and work towards advancing human knowledge and capability.

Companies specializing in aerospace, robotics, and artificial intelligence AI) stand to benefit directly as their technologies and solutions become crucial for the success of interplanetary missions. Moreover, the manufacturing, logistics, and telecommunications industries may experience shifts as they adapt to support the needs of space exploration. Businesses may need to rethink their strategies and operations to capitalize on the emerging space economy, potentially leading to new partnerships with space agencies and other firms to develop technologies that can withstand the harsh conditions of space.

For governments, there may be a need for new agreements to govern the exploration, use, and potentially the colonization of Mars, ensuring that activities are conducted responsibly and for the benefit of all humanity. They may also need to increase their investment in research and development to support the burgeoning space industry and consider the implications of space travel on national security. Additionally, the race to Mars could catalyze enhancing STEM education and public-private partnerships, aligning national interests with the global endeavor to extend human presence beyond Earth.

Implications of travel to Mars

Wider implications of travel to Mars may include: 

• New job markets and career paths in aerospace, technology, and support services, reducing unemployment rates in tech-savvy populations.
• The emergence of space tourism industries, offering new leisure options but also raising concerns about environmental impacts and space debris.
• Shifts in military and defense strategies to include space-based assets, potentially escalating an arms race in space.
• The development of advanced materials and technologies initially for space, but later adapted for Earth, enhancing daily life and industrial efficiency.
• Potential strain on natural resources due to the demand for rare minerals and materials needed for spacecraft and habitats on Mars.
• Cultural and societal shifts as humanity begins to identify as a multi-planetary species, altering perceptions of nationality, race, and unity.
• Legal and ethical debates over the ownership and use of extraterrestrial lands, resources, and the potential for interplanetary conflict.
• Economic disparities as access to space remains costly, limiting opportunities for lower-income countries and individuals to participate in space exploration.

Questions to consider

• How could increased interest in STEM fields, driven by Mars exploration, change the future job market and education system?
• How might international collaborations on Mars missions foster global unity and cooperation on Earth?