It's a new term when we travel on Mars!

Why is it important to transmit probes in the space?

– Each probe that we send into the universe will take us even further in recognizing the functioning of our solar system, of our nature. It just moves the limits of humanity.

What is the extraordinary of the last?

– The InSight probe has to reveal the secrets of the appearance of Mars in the interior. From which this planet is composed, whether it has a liquid or solid core, how heat transfer works in the Martian submarine layers, and so on. All of this information will help us understand how Mars was formed and how the inner planets of the solar planet, including our Earth, were formed. While exploring Mars, we learn more than our planet was born, and as we have been here.

How long does it take to transfer information from Mars to Earth?

– The distance between Mars and the Earth changes, but it takes about 15 minutes.

How long would it take to get there?

– It's as if the trip going from Earth to Mars would take about eight months. If people spend time on the surface and then come back, the whole mission can last more than two years, which is a very big problem.

Why?

When we compare the path to the moon, it lasts three days and three days behind. In the week we can reach the moon and come back. The shortest period on Mars would be about a year and a half. And the big difference is whether people go in space for a week or a year and a half.

What would be the biggest problem with the Mars mission?

– In stock, for example, with other technical problems. It is also about interpersonal relationships – that people are always able to close for a long time in a very small space. These problems are now explored on Earth during simulated missions. He will see if people can cope with it.

Could a man arrive on Mars?

– It is possible. More projects are underway to get a man on Mars. It is not just government projects like NASA, but also commercial projects. For example, Basic builds a large spacecraft that wants to colonize Mars and carries dozens of people there who would gradually begin to build a human home on Mars.

When will it be real?

– Several technologies must be affected. But the biggest problem is the political point of view. For such a mission to be successful, it is necessary to combine several countries, to multiply the resources, because it will not be cheap. Sometimes that fails as well. For thirty years, we say that Mars will go … For the moment, I see the term as close as possible, at least a little realistic, in 2040.

What are the conditions of life?

– Certainly not like on Earth. Although it is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system, it is very different. It should be remembered that about 1% of the Earth's surface is on the surface of Mars. There is a very low pressure, thin air, which contains almost no oxygen. So, of course, it is not possible to sail without a suit on Mars.

What about water?

– Many of the previously flying probes were focused on searching for water beneath the surface of Mars. This is one of the prerequisites for Mars to fly and stay a day. Importing all the water for the astronaut would be extremely expensive, so you have to get it on the spot. And not only for drinking, oxygen can also be extracted from water, or even hydrogen, which can then be used as rocket fuel.

Was there any?

– Many missions have already been devoted to water and have already been confirmed. In the past, Mars was a planet similar to the Earth. The oceans and rivers were there. We do not know exactly why this has changed, why the water is not on the surface of Mars, why the conditions on this planet have changed so much. The InSight probe could be a bit overwhelming. Under the surface of Mars, water is found in some places.

Can this happen to our Earth? That a planet full of life would turn into a desolate desert?

– It could. The InSight probe could tell us more.

The probe is in place, what now?

– Dozens, hundreds of people are involved in preparing for such a mission. Now they will control the probe, process the data, solve potential problems. It cost about $ 1 billion.

What was the truth of the Martian film with Matt Damon?

– Even though he was a bit sturdy, he was very good at showing how lonely a man is on a planet far away from the Earth, how hard it is to help him … This has to be understood by the people who are hiding on Mars one day. The film also showed that astronauts had to be on all sides and be able to work with everything they had. It was also to see how the actor was producing potatoes there. If something has happened, you have to wait until the help comes not more than eight months.

Are rockets and probes flying at high speed?

– It depends on the type of body. The Insight probe was discovered for the first time on the surface of Mars at a speed of 5 km / s, or about 20 000 km / h. And she had to land on the surface at almost zero speed in 7 minutes. For example, satellites circling the Earth have a speed of 8 km / s on the surface of the Earth, or 28,000 km / h. And if we want to get rid of the attraction of the Earth and move to another planet, we must beat the speed of the planet by 11.2 km / s, which is really an incredible speed.

Do you think that someone really wants to fly on Mars?

– I know a lot of people in Slovakia too. For example, my colleague who is participating in a simulated mission on Mars in the Hawaiian Islands.

Author:
mz