Setting up a colony on Mars and its subsequent effect on human anatomy and behavior can't be done properly by using Earth parameters. There is an ongoing joint study by NASA and its Russian counterpart to simulate physical and psychological impact. However, experts argue that there are several Martian conditions that are impossible to replicate nor simulate.
Space Policy published a paper that discusses the adverse effect of colonizing Mars on humans. According to lead author Konrad Szocik, parameters like radiation and micro-gravitation have to be taken into account. Also, there is no way to predict both physical and psychological repercussions of living on the Red Planet.
NASA's Scott Kelly and Russia's Mikhail Kornienko stayed in the International Space Station for nearly a year to gather data about prolonged exposure in space. Scientists on the ground assessed the data from the two. The result suggests that everything is on track for the planned human expansion to Mars by 2030.
However, Szocik lambasts the current procedure as one-way and not totally aware of potential dangers. Even extreme conditions on earth like freezing Antarctica and scorching Gobi desert did not give any conclusive effect of long-term isolation, Szocik stressed. He then calls for an extensive study on the social aspect of developing a Martian colony.
There are talks about technology and financial challenges in the construction of a Martian colony. But it is surprising that there is an apparent lack of concern about the well-being of would-be colonizers themselves. Szocik said that human problems like conflict and other behavioral concerns should also be taken into the equation, Live Science reported.
What the paper suggests is to modify the human body against harsh environment and mind that can effectively handle behaviors. While remote areas on earth are useful to train and prepare people for Mars, actually living on the planet is a different case where risks escalate several times. What the study envisions is using electronics to enhance human senses or a medication that can alter response, especially from panicking during a crisis.
