Thursday, August 22, 2019

After Colonization: Life on Mars

After Colonization: Life on Mars
Saumik Das
Brief Overview
Driving Question: Do the principles on Earth apply the same way on Mars?
Mission: Study the caldera of Olympus Mons (tallest volcano in the Solar System; 22,000 meters tall) in order, to find rich minerals, that can be used to live on Mars.

Part 1: Pyro Dynamics - Fire Hazards

Question: Are there fire hazards on the Planet Mars?
Hypothesis: No, there are no fire hazards on Mars. However, there may be possibilities of nuclear explosions.
Evidence: According to the National Aeronautics Space Administration’s Mars Fact Sheet, it is proven that the Martian Atmosphere is composed of five main gases.
Þ   95.32% - Carbon Dioxide
Þ   2.7% - Nitrogen
Þ   1.6% - Argon
Þ   0.13% - Oxygen
Þ   .08% - Carbon Monoxide
Þ   .17% - Other gases
As proven, Mars is abundant of Carbon Dioxide. While, Earth’s atmosphere is mainly composed of Nitrogen and Oxygen. According to the principles of fire, flames occur when Heat, Oxygen and Fuel is combined together. Although, they can be put out easily, if one element is taken. If a fire were to ignite on Mars, the carbon dioxide would instantly take out the fire, since there would be no oxygen. Below is a simulation on the extinguishing process. 


 Since, Mars receives less than half as much sunlight compared to Earth, solar energy is source that we can use on Mars but may not be able to live on. Wind power on Mars is negligible…. and geothermal energy can be used from the potentially hot reservoirs on Mars. Although, nuclear energy is the most viable and productive option. This means, a nuclear reactor will have to be transported to Mars along with the nuclear reactor. Nuclear reactions emit radiation, and precautions will have to be taken. If the reaction is not controlled, a nuclear explosion may occur, causing the inhabitants to be severely injured, or worse, exposed to radiation for many years.

Materials: Baking Soda, Vinegar, Candle, Beaker and Lighter
Conclusion: There are no possible fire hazards on Mars. The lack of oxygen makes principle of pyro-dynamics invalid on Mars. We need to make sure all nuclear reactions must be controlled, or else they could result fatal injuries to the inhabitants. My hypothesis was correct!

Part 2: Bernoulli’s Principle - Transportation

Question: Can planes/aircrafts fly on Mars due to its atmospheric pressure and different gases?
Hypothesis: Yes, planes can fly on Mars but, will have to follow VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing)
Evidence Section A: In the beginning stages of colonization, not many materials will be brought to Mars. In order for planes to fly normally, (not using VTOL), they will need runways. On Earth, there is a maximum of 3.4 miles runways for commercial (America’s Edwards Airforce Base Runway is 7.6 miles). Due to the air pressure on Mars, (and severe dust storms) there will be a need of a longer runway, that will let the plane accelerate more. Instead of building a runway, we should use VTOL. NASA has recently come up with a ‘Mars copter’, the purpose of it is to take picture from higher ground. This would fall into the lines of drones.
Evidence Section B – Saumik’s Theory: Since, a rocket follows a VTOL, it simply needs fuel combustion. As the combustion principle states, you need HEAT + OXYGEN + FUEL, to get a full rocket combustion. To get the heat, a giant mirror could take place (accurately aimed at the rocket). It will transfer the heat from the sun to the rocket. Using electrolysis, oxygen can be extracted from the water found on Mars. In many scenarios, Liquid Nitrogen is used as fuel. This can be acquired from the Martian atmosphere. 2.7% of the atmosphere is made up of nitrogen. With high pressure applied at the critical point, the gas will convert to liquid, thus creating a fuel. Now, when oxygen and nitrogen combine together, there is a possibility of an explosion occurring. That’s why there will be controlled amounts used. It will just enough to get to the caldera of Olympus Mons. Research equipment, parachutes, and camping equipment will be inside the compartments of the rocket. Once at the caldera, the astronauts will conduct their research. After they finish their experiments, they will use the parachute to get to the Martian floor. Therefore, their mission would be accomplished.
Conclusion: On Mars, Bernoulli’s principle can take effect only if the aircraft accelerates at a higher rate of speed due to significant low air pressure on Mars (0.6% of air pressure at Earth’s sea level). This has been further tested in simulations of the atmospheric pressure on Earth. My hypothesis was correct!

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