10 "treasures" you can't do without when traveling to Mars
Packing for a trip to Mars is no ordinary task. You will need to prepare for a series of extremely important challenges.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•23/05/2025
Planning a trip to Mars may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but with space agencies and private companies working tirelessly to make the dream a reality, the idea of humans setting foot on the Red Planet is closer than ever. Photo: @CNBC. But Mars is a completely different world , with a thin atmosphere, freezing temperatures and no breathable air. So a trip there is not like a vacation on Earth, where you just grab a few essentials and go. Here are 10 things you need to pack for a trip to Mars. Photo: @Al Jazeera.
The atmosphere of Mars is 95% carbon dioxide, with almost no oxygen. That means a reliable spacesuit is essential for your survival. But not just any spacesuit will do, because Mars is much colder than Earth. The average surface temperature on Mars is around -65°C. Temperatures can drop as low as -125°C in winter at the poles. Photo: @Getty. So your spacesuit must have advanced temperature regulation, pressure management, and oxygen delivery systems to ensure you can breathe, stay warm, and move comfortably. Modern spacesuits designed for Mars exploration must be lightweight, flexible, and durable enough to withstand the planet’s dust storms and rocky terrain. Photo: @Texas A&M University Engineering. Although your spacesuit will be equipped with oxygen, you will still need an external oxygen supply system to stay on the surface of Mars for long periods of time. The Martian atmosphere does not provide breathable air, so a reliable source of oxygen will be important for outdoor activities, and in emergencies. NASA has conducted the MOXIE (Mars In-situ Oxygen Resource Utilization Experiment) experiment to convert CO2 on Mars into oxygen, and you may need a portable version of this technology. Photo: @Wikipedia. This is crucial, as without a steady supply of oxygen, survival on Mars is impossible. The Martian atmosphere is thin and toxic, making oxygen your most important resource. Photo: @NASA. Energy is important on Mars, and solar panels are the most practical way to harness it. The sun shines on Mars, but much less brightly, due to the planet’s distance from the sun, so high-efficiency solar panels are essential. These panels can power your shelter, your life support systems, and even your vehicles on Mars. Image: @Space Exploration Stack Exchange.
This is important, as energy is needed for everything from heating your home to charging your electronic devices. Solar panels ensure you can generate electricity without relying on the Earth’s energy supply chain. Photo: @Waaree. You won’t be able to order takeout on Mars, so packing enough food and water for your trip is essential. Space food has evolved, with many freeze-dried and vacuum-packed options that are nutritious and lightweight. Water, on the other hand, is heavy to transport, so you’ll need to bring as much as you can with you, or plan to extract it from the Martian soil, using extraction technologies built into NASA’s ice drill. Photo: @UBC Magazine. When you land on Mars, you’ll need a place to live, but the harsh Martian environment isn’t conducive to pitching a tent. Living shelters on Mars could be prefabricated shelters or expandable inflatable homes. Image: @Foster + Partners. Of course, these shelters would have to be able to withstand the extreme cold, have an airtight seal to protect you from the atmosphere, and have some protection from UV rays and radiation. This is important, because Martian shelters would have to be safe spaces, protecting you from weather, radiation, and freezing temperatures. Without it, you wouldn’t survive long on the planet. Photo: @Mars Habitat. Mars doesn’t have the protective magnetic field and thick atmosphere of Earth, which means you’ll be exposed to much higher levels of radiation. Prolonged exposure can increase your risk of cancer and other health problems. You’ll need specialized radiation protection suits, a safe living environment, and possibly medication to protect yourself from this invisible threat. Photo: @Space.
Staying in touch with Earth is crucial, although there will be significant delays in communication due to the large distances between the planets. You will need a reliable communications system, such as a Mars satellite communication device, to stay in touch with mission control and other explorers in space, as well as on Earth. Photo: @National Air and Space Museum. Accidents can happen anywhere, and Mars is no exception. A comprehensive medical kit with antibiotics, painkillers, bandages, and other basic medical supplies is essential. You should also bring specialized tools and medications to deal with the unique conditions of space, such as muscle atrophy, radiation sickness, or psychological stress. Photo: @Black Oak Pharmacy. Mars is an exciting new frontier, and you’ll want to explore as much as you can. A suite of exploration tools like rovers, drones, shovels, and geological sampling kits will help you study the planet’s surface, collect soil samples, and record your findings. These tools are not only essential for personal exploration, but also contribute to Earth’s scientific understanding of Mars. Photo: @Britannica.
You’ll be spending a lot of time on Mars, and isolation can be a challenge. Bringing entertainment like books, games, music, or even a small virtual reality system can help keep you mentally occupied. Personal items like photos of loved ones or souvenirs can provide comfort and a sense of home during the mission. Image: @BBC Sky at Night Magazine. Dear Readers, please watch the video: Actual video of driving on the Moon during NASA's Apollo mission. Video source: @Top interesting.
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