4 Mars Colonization Technologies that NASA is Preparing for the Future

Since a long time ago, humans have always had a dream to explore space. Other than researching the other space, we also are longing for a new planet to live on. Many scientists believe that the close planet to Earth, Mars, is the best candidate for a future human colony. And, it is not only a theory. NASA is preparing Mars colonization technology that can support this grandiose plan. What kind of technology they are? Here, we have some information about them.

The New and Powerful Propulsion System

Even though Mars is close to Earth, the distance is about 140 million miles. Therefore, NASA needs a new powerful propulsion system that can take a human to that planet without wasting too much time in space. Currently, NASA is trying to improve nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion. The electric one has better efficiency and the thermal type has more power. Now, we only need to wait for which system they will choose for this project.

Inflatable Heat Shield

To carry humans for Mars colonization, we need a bigger spacecraft. For that reason, it needs a more efficient heat shield to enter Mars & atmosphere. Why inflatable? The bigger spacecraft means it will require more area to cover with the heat shield. If we use the current heat shield technology, it will take more space than the rocket booster and other engines need. Therefore, the inflatable is the solution. So, when the spacecraft enters Mars, it can expand then return to a smaller size without taking up too much space. 

Better Martian Spacesuits

The current most-advanced space suits that NASA astronauts wear are xEMU (Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit). These next-generation spacesuits allow you to move more naturally like Earth. It helps astronauts to work more efficiently in space.

For Mars colonization, we need much better spacesuits. NASA is developing the next version of xEMU. The next version may include the new life support feature. Mars that has a high carbon dioxide

atmosphere requires specific functionality. The new temperature control is also necessary; to keep astronauts warm during winter and cool during summer on the surface of Mars.

Moving Home and Lab  

NASA also is developing a new and advanced version of the similar rover and station that Artemis astronauts use on the moon. It will have a similar pressurized rover design. Astronauts will be able to live comfortably inside. The Mars rover will have more advanced life support functionality than the current Moon rover. After all, we will use it to live on Mars and develop a colony.

Conclusion

The day when technology let humans go to Mars, live, and make a new colony there is still far in the future. But, we can see that NASA and, we believe, many other organizations take this project seriously. So, we can only expect nothing but good results from it. So, let's wait patiently and see what kind of Mars colonization technology can bring the best alternative for a planet where we can live

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