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The race to bring humans to Mars is intensifying. China recently joined the United States in targeting the 2030s for crewed missions on the planet, but their two plans face enormous obstacles.
One of the main concerns is the threat posed by particle radiation from the sun, stars and galaxies. These particles could increase the risk of cancer or cause acute radiation sickness during missions.
New radiation modeling suggests that astronauts can be protected from these dangers, provided their journeys are completed within about four years.
According to the research paper:
This study provides the first realistic rough estimate of the duration of the mission to Mars, a feat admittedly difficult but still possible.
The research combined geophysical models of particles radiation with simulations of how it would affect a spaceship and its passengers.
Calculations suggest that the thickness of a spaceship shield could play a key role when traveling. While a relatively thick material can help protect astronauts, making it too thick could increase their radiation doses.
The researchers also estimated that the optimal time for a flight to Mars would be when solar activity is at its peak.
The team believe a trip to Mars and back during this time is conceivable.
Yuri Shprits, a research geophysicist at UCLA and co-author of the study paper, said the trip could be completed in less than two years:
This study shows that if space radiation imposes strict limits on the heaviness of the spacecraft and the time of launch, and presents technological difficulties for human missions to Mars, such a mission is viable.
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