An international team of scientists has determined the optimal time for humans to fly to Mars. According to an article about the study in the journal Space Weather, the moment will come in the mid-2030s – then the peak of solar activity and the favorable relative position of the Earth and Mars will coincide. The essence of the idea boils down to finding less danger for the spacecraft, because the astronauts will be trapped by solar radiation and galactic cosmic rays.
The problem with long-term space travel is that there is no suitable ship yet. Astronauts will suffer from radiation, as they will not be protected by the Earth's magnetic field outside of Earth's orbit. Constant irradiation of the crew will lead to the development of dangerous diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, oncology, as well as serious brain damage leading to a decrease in intelligence, the scientists noted.
To create a protective layer, you will have to use a lot of material, which will lead to an increase in the mass of the ship to the detriment of the payload. Scientists suggest choosing the right time for the expedition to reduce the effects of radiation.
“During an active Sun, the most dangerous high-energy particles that can make the ship itself radioactive will be reflected by solar radiation. From it, in turn, it will be easier to make a shield, ”write the authors of the study.
According to the calculations of the researchers, the most favorable time for a man's flight to Mars will come no earlier than 10 years later. Solar activity peaks are predicted in the mid-2030s and 2050s. The study indicates that the spacecraft should not be in Mars orbit for more than four years. However, this indicator can be adjusted if more effective protective materials are found by that time.
“Secret” said that the head of “Roscosmos” Dmitry Rogozin emphasized that for flights to other planets, it is necessary to create ion engines. The projects are very complex, but one cannot do without them, Rogozin noted. At the same time, the head of the state corporation considers statements about the imminent landing of people on Mars to be absurd.
At the same time, Elon Musk emphasized that a trip to Mars is not for everyone, but only for volunteers who understand all the risks and are ready to go down in history. At the same time, despite the danger of the experience, SpaceX already has thousands of applications for entry into the first crew of the Earth-Mars flight. According to the billionaire, a flight to Mars will be possible in six years.
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