# The Viability of Human Missions to Mars: A Critical Perspective
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The Reality of Space Exploration
In a recent BBC Radio interview, Bill Anders, who served as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 8—the first crewed mission to leave Earth's orbit—shared his candid views on the concept of sending humans to Mars. With NASA and other organizations reigniting interest in Martian exploration, Anders described the plan as “almost absurd” and “foolish.”
There are romanticized ideas about space travel, partly fueled by popular media like Star Trek and Star Wars, which create an impression that exploring the cosmos is an inevitable adventure. However, the leap to sending humans to Mars feels enormous, and many practical concerns often go unaddressed.
Anders reflected on a book that first convinced him a Mars mission could quickly turn into a distressing ordeal for astronauts. He emphasized the less glamorous aspects of such a journey: bland food, managing waste, dealing with health issues like back pain and nausea, and the inevitable tension that arises from living in close quarters with others for an extended time. He concluded, “No thank you.”
Musing on the challenges of space travel, Anders recalled this BBC Radio segment from Christmas Eve 2018, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission. The article was aptly titled "Sending astronauts to Mars would be stupid, astronaut says."
The Distress of Astronaut Life
Being an astronaut may seem appealing, but it comes with significant discomforts. Anders raised questions about hygiene and basic human needs during long missions. “What would the smell be like? How often could one shower or change clothes? The water is recycled urine... for over a year. ('Does this water taste odd to you?')”
These are the realities that come to mind when people discuss space travel. Having read enough about the topic, I recognize it’s far from a leisurely journey.
For those young dreamers contemplating a trip to the Red Planet, I recommend reading about the realities of how astronauts manage their bodily functions in space.
Alternative Views on Mars Missions
Some argue that we haven’t even fully explored the Moon yet. Perhaps someone will make that case in the comments below.
As for me, I believe we have successfully landed on the Moon, but I question the importance of human exploration beyond that. What advantages do we gain from sending humans when robotic missions can yield comparable insights?
Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon, has been an outspoken advocate for advancing space exploration to Mars. However, not all astronauts share the same enthusiasm. The BBC piece highlighted Frank Borman, who, while not as critical as Anders, still finds the aspirations of colonizing Mars to be impractical. “There’s a lot of hype around Mars that is nonsense. Musk and Bezos talking about colonies on Mars? That’s just silly.”
In my view, there are more pressing areas where funding could be allocated effectively.
Conclusion and Discussion
As we reflect on these viewpoints, it becomes clear that the discussion around Mars missions is multifaceted. What do you think about the importance of sending humans to Mars? Do you believe robotic missions could suffice in our quest for knowledge? Your thoughts are welcome in the comments.