Big Falcon Rocket - The Challenges (part three)

In my first post concerning Space X's Big Falcon Rocket (BFR), I discussed issues associated with the rocket decent, payload bay including crew quarters, and likely affects these travelers can expect to deal with. Part two expanded on how sensory conflict, space motion sickness, the neurovestibular system, fluid shift, bone loss, muscle atrophy, and psychological factors would affect BFR passengers and crew. Finally, I’m going to talk about the challenges all of these individuals face upon arriving on Mars.

RADIATION
The number one issue associated with travel anywhere beyond low Earth orbit is the amount of radiation and galactic cosmic rays the body will have to deal with during this travel. When the body is exposed to higher doses of radiation, the body can experience uncontrolled cell division leading to an increased chance of cancer. With full exposure to galactic cosmic rays, energetic nuclei of iron atoms break strands of DNA molecules, damage genes, and kill cells within the body. For women, this could lead to an increased risk of birth defects when having children. When arriving on Mars, these radiation issues could inhibit work-related activities. Decreased cognitive and motor functions along with memory loss may inhibit necessary responses to emergencies at the most critical time needed. This would especially be true if unexpected events put pressure on crews to deal with arising emergencies upon landing.

Food and medicine is another issue related problem with radiation. Since the individuals traveling to Mars will need supplies flown ahead of time, along with bringing everything with them, this material will be exposed to radiation for long periods. Radiation can affect food and medicine nutrient and pharmaceutical potency. Current astronauts already take medication to deal with space missions. NASA research has discovered that medicine used is degraded faster while in space. Space X will need to work with NASA to determine which kinds of supplies are best suited for space along with how to package them to handle increased radiation. If these issues are not resolved, Mars inhabitants could experience malnutrition which could lead to illnesses or a decrease in their immune system.

ORTHOSTATIC INTOLERANCE
When astronauts return to Earth, they get what’s called orthostatic intolerance. When astronauts rid their body of excess fluids due to the fluid shift upon entering microgravity, their body has a decreased amount of fluid in their body upon reentering 1G on Earth. For those traveling on a flight to Mars, they will experience the same issue but likely to a lesser degree since Mars has 1/3 Earth’s gravity. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance include fainting, dizziness, and symptoms related to low blood pressure. The video below illustrates this effect.

To counter this effect, astronauts must drink one liter of isotonic fluid prior to landing to help rehydrate the body. The reason is fluids shift downward again because of the gravity exerted on the body. Space X would have to have this procedure built into their landing procedure to assist the passengers and crew. For those first arriving on Mars, space agencies will likely want them to collect data associated with this in order to learn how to better overcome the condition in future flights to Mars. This means passengers and crews must be ready to act as test subjects as well as planning this activity in their initial arrival plans.

ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT
Crew and passengers have already been living in an enclosed environment on their way to Mars. Upon arriving, this will not change. It will be critical for these individuals to understand the necessity of keeping everything clean. This won’t be just the floors either. Entry/exit points will need to be maintained to ensure there is no contamination of the habitats. Since there is no oxygen on Mars, an Air Revitalization System will be needed for each habitat to support life. Until safe water is discovered on Mars, a water recovery system is needed to generate enough water for the 100 individuals traveling to Mars. The comforts of Earth will take its toll on these travelers. No running water for showers, the constant sounds of fans to circulate air, and the necessity to recycle to include urine is sure to take a toll. As for the urine, how will Space X prepare these travelers for the necessity of drinking recycled purified urine and no showers?

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Behavior and team dynamics will be a critical part of survival on Mars. Anyone who has lived in a large group of people at college or other activity is aware of the drama and conflicts that can erupt. These individuals will travel farther from Earth than anyone before them. Day-to-day stress associated with mere survival can take a toll. Add to that lack of privacy, prolonged living in close quarters, a different personality mix, and being cut-off from family can take people over the edge. Depression could set in and fatigue could decrease efficiency while living on Mars. Disagreements in handling situations, miscommunication, and misunderstandings can further complicate this matter.

Many studies have been conducted concerning group adaptation while on Antarctica Expeditions. Lawrence Palinkas points out in his study that "there is little separation between work and leisure because living and working spaces are in close proximity to one another." This close relationship creates increasing social tension which can spill over into the work and free environment. Individuals living on Mars would encounter the same problems but with the added dangers associated with Mars.

Such stress factors can also exist between the Mars colony and those assisting them back on Earth. Communication delays of 20 plus minutes caused by the vast distance between the planets can create increased stress as they await answers or information concerning daily activities. These same communication delays can also affect their ability to talk to family or friends back home which can cause morale issues at times. NASA is currently working on a Laser Communication Relay which could reduce this communication delay to 5 minutes. But if Space X launches a Mars mission in the 2020s, there is no guarantee that such a system will be fully functional before the launch.

As learned on the International Space Station, sleep loss associated with a disruption to the body's circadian rhythm can impact the health, safety, and productivity of crews. Those on Mars must deal with an added 37 minutes to a day because of Mars rotation speed. Dr. Andrew Loudon, a biologist at the University of Manchester, was one of many researchers who discovered "a heightened risk of fertility issues and diseases, including diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease" associated with a disruption of the circadian rhythm.

Needless to say, explorers going to Mars will have to overcome many issues that need to be addressed. The question is how these issues will be addressed before Space X launches its BFR. They are going to Mars. There is no air, temperatures, range from 26 degrees Fahrenheit in the day to -140 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and the explorers must develop a complete infrastructure to support the 100 individuals sent. Space X states, "The objectives for the first mission will be to confirm water resources and identify hazards along with putting in place initial power, mining, and life support infrastructure. A second mission, with both cargo and crew, is targeted for 2024, with primary objectives of building a propellant depot and preparing for future crew flights." They will likely need electricians, computer specialists, engineers, mineralogists, microbiologists, chemists, and of course doctors to handle both sick and psychological issues.

Putting together such a facility from scratch on Earth is one thing; doing it on Mars is another. Space X has much to explain before such a mission is carried out. Their plan is bold, but it's also dangerous. What would happen to their plan if travelers begin to die? Will public opinion go against them, or will the same drive after the shuttle disasters take over? Hopefully, we won't have to find out.