Aperture Vintage | Unsplash
The universe has always been a great unknown for humanity. Since ancient times, humans have looked up to the sky wondering what lies beyond the visible. And perhaps this is a question we all must delve into, especially to understand where we come from and where we are headed.
Technology has evolved enough to travel from our feet on earth to the infinite dimension of the universe. Our school learning about the solar system, the planets around us, and the galaxy that contains us seem to have become a bit outdated as new discoveries are made at a dizzying pace.
Ezi | Unsplash - Illustrative image of Mars
Space missions now require a larger budget for the discovery or finding of data of interest that provide substantial value to space science. NASA has been, for a long time, and still is, an agency that has contributed greatly to the understanding of the universe.
Now the main goal is to focus attention on the planet Mars, despite representing a very considerable distance of several million kilometers from where we are located through what is known as the "Mars Sample Return" mission.
In this mission, the aim is to collect samples from the red planet and bring them back using the latest available or developed technology, taking into account that initially no crew would be taken there, but vehicles that can land and explore the area to its possible extent. Although it is not as simple as it seems, since many procedures need to be carried out in said mission, which require a lot of time and money, so this mission could last for 15 years and have a budget of 11 billion dollars.
Bill Nelson, who is the administrator of NASA, has considered that this mission is not ready to meet the initial conditions because on the one hand the necessary budget is very expensive and on the other hand the return date is too far away. Now what is about to be attempted is a change of strategy, requesting architecture proposals from space companies, which could be very positive for both sides.
It is about financing and obtaining cutting-edge technology from companies that have decided to invest in space technological capability. Knowing this, the distribution of that budget across this industrial sector could mean that the mission to Mars will take place in a relatively shorter period, aiming for 2030.
NASA | Unsplash
Currently and over a long timeline, very important spacecraft have been developed that have allowed progress in other missions. However, perhaps not with the complexity of this mission. The goal is to reduce complexity to a minimum, so that the risks and costs are acceptable to continue and complete the mission.
This is where the participation of various companies seeking to sign a contract and participate in this mission directly or indirectly by offering their technology comes into play. For example, the company Intuitive Machines has had great success in landing a commercial spacecraft on the moon, so it is very likely to be involved.
This mission is not only about collecting and bringing back samples, but it is about succeeding in the ambition to go beyond what is imagined. Undoubtedly, this could be very beneficial for space companies seeking to achieve specific goals successfully, and in that way, increase their reputation in the world.
Heavy launch vehicles could have a leading role in this mission when there is a green light to fly, and this could be a major competition to see who develops the best possible technology before the time comes. Companies like Blue Origin's New Glenn, Space X's Starship, or perhaps Rocket Lab's Neutron could be a clear replacement for NASA's Space Launch System. Although truth be told, abandoning that project could mean a great loss for all the effort that has been put into it.
At the moment, efficiency is being sought through different programs, although it is something that could change over time and nothing is certain. In my opinion, whoever manages to advance in this race will be the one who does things best. It is not just about developing modern and cutting-edge technologies, but also how to use them to achieve success on the way to the day when the mission finally becomes a new feat.
- Main image edited in Canva.
- I have consulted information in techcrunch.com.
- I have used Hive Translator to translate from Spanish to English.