Index ChallengesAdvantages and Disadvantages: Human Exploration vs. roboticsConclusionSpace exploration is a process stimulated by human curiosity and the desire for knowledge to traverse the unknown. Beyond that, exploring the unknown allows us to generate greater understanding of the universe and the solar system at a level that empowers technological advances to improve society (NASA, 2013). The history of space exploration began during the mid-20th century, but the first successful manned space mission was launched by Russia in 1961. Most famously, the first safe landing on the Moon was made in 1969 by the crew of 'Apollo 11 ("The History of Space Exploration - Online Star Register', 2009). Since then, many other attempts have been made in preparation for the exploration of nearby celestial bodies, the closest of which is Mars with l Moon exception. Most missions involved spacecraft observing and collecting data on Mars, looking for evidence of water, conducting soil and atmospheric analyses, all in an effort to learn more about the Red Planet (NASA, 2019).After decades of robotic exploration, future manned missions to Mars are being discussed to further explore the planet and its satellites with the possibility of terraforming the planet (NASA, 2019). However, like all space missions, there are difficulties and obstacles that must be considered to ensure the process is successful and, above all, safe for humans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Challenges Since the goal is to send humans to Mars, there are multiple considerations in the process to ensure it is successful and safe for astronauts. Like all space missions, there are dangers to human life due to the hostile nature of the environment which is not adequate for the basic needs and conditions we are accustomed to on Earth. In terms of physical characteristics, Mars is about half the diameter of Earth, with a much lighter gravity and thinner atmosphere. The lower gravity experienced during travel to and from Mars can also have a significant impact on the human body (Wei-Haas, 2016). Our bodies, accustomed to Earth's gravity, constantly work our muscles, bones and hearts to keep us functioning. In space, decreasing gravity makes the body work less to function. Compared to the effort required on Earth, decreased energy consumption can cause muscle deterioration and loss of bone density in astronauts (Wei-Haas, 2016). Bones, which contain the highest amount of calcium in the body (“High Calcium Levels or Hypercalcemia,” 2018), provide the blood with a source of calcium. As bone mass decreases and blood calcium levels increase, the kidneys must filter excess ions more often, which can lead to a higher incidence of kidney stones (Wei-Haas, 2016). By increasing the level of physical activity and allowing bones and muscles to work similarly to Earth, it can be ensured that these effects have less of an impact, especially when astronauts return to Earth. In terms of atmospheric differences, Mars' atmosphere is approximately 100 times thinner than Earth's (Klotz, 2017) with an atmospheric pressure of approximately 600 Pa (Pascal) compared to Earth's average of 101,300 Pa which can boil the blood in the our body (Coffey, 2008), even at room temperature. Another difference lies in the composition of the atmospheres. On Earth, our atmosphere is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and traces of other gases, water, and dioxidecarbonic. Mars in comparison has an atmosphere that is 95% carbon dioxide. Since one of the basic needs for survival is oxygen, the lack of free oxygen in the Martian atmosphere makes it impossible to breathe. These factors alone inhibit unaided human survival when exposed to the environment (Tate, 2015). Additional difficulties include freezing temperatures, eradication of toxic dust on the planet's surface (Klotz, 2017). Ambient temperatures on the planet are around -55°C, with a maximum temperature of 20°C in the equatorial regions and a freezing -150°C at the extremities. Like Earth, Mars also exhibits seasonal changes, meaning that temperatures can vary throughout the year, demonstrating another challenge that requires adequate equipment to keep astronauts adequately warmed (Purcell, 2016). Despite this, temperatures on Mars are not regulated like those on Earth. This is because Earth's temperatures are stabilized by the geochemical carbon cycle, which primarily requires carbon dioxide and water, carrying greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to radiate heat (Kasting and Walker, n.d.). Mars' atmosphere, despite being mostly carbon dioxide, doesn't have enough of it because the atmosphere is so thin (AmbretteOrrisey, 2018). There is also no shortage of a reliable source of liquid water to use in the cycle (Johnson, n.d.). In addition to the likelihood of temperature fluctuations due to Mars' thin atmosphere, strong winds are often likely to develop leading to dense dust storms that can impact the amount of solar energy available (Purcell, 2016). Mars, being further from the Sun than Earth, already has a shorter diurnal interval (Tate, 2015). These complications currently represent one of the major obstacles to human exploration on the surface of Mars as storms can block the Sun and thus further lower temperatures (Purcell, 2016). Additionally, Mars is subject to a higher level of radiation than Earth. . Solar flares, an intense burst of radiation that sends out electromagnetic charges at high speeds, are often discharged from the Sun (NASA, 2015). The Earth is not subjected to the same level of radiation resulting from the bombardment of charged particles from the Sun due to the presence of the magnetic field which deflects the particles. Mars, however, lacks a global magnetic field, which, in addition to its already thin atmosphere, subjects the planet to a higher level of radiation. The combination of the above reflects the need for technology that can sustain human health in a hostile environment for a prolonged period of time. for a successful mission. Astronauts need suits that protect them from radiation, carry oxygen tanks when exploring the Martian environment, and be stationed near the equator to ensure warmer ambient temperatures, limiting the need to adapt equipment to support them in harsher conditions. Another consideration might be a reliable source of food. Ideally, being able to grow food on Mars would allow astronauts to carry fewer resources on current and future missions. Mars essentially has most of the requirements for photosynthesis to occur; plenty of sunlight and carbon dioxide, adequate heat near the equator, and water that can be extracted. However, unlike Earth's soil which is rich in nutrients, Mars soil contains high levels of perchlorates that are toxic to organic material (Purcell, 2016). There is therefore a need for further research on Mars, creating better solutions to this problem other than shipping Earth's soil to the planet. Naturechallenging survival on Mars due to the above conditions is the main obstacle to the success of a manned mission to Mars. of now. Beyond this, there are many plans for how NASA could land a crewed mission on Mars. One in particular suggests landing astronauts on one of Mars' moons, Phobos or Deimos, before actually landing on the Red Planet. The process would require launches from NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) capable of sending crew, cargo and spacecraft such as the Orion capsule to Phobos for the first half of the mission. The crew would then be transferred to Mars and remain in a lander containing adequate shelter and an ascent vehicle to enable return travel to Earth. This procedure is believed to reduce risks and costs, making them more manageable, but it is not an official NASA plan (Wall, 2015). Advantages and Disadvantages: Human Exploration vs. robotics Curiosity about the unknown is a key human characteristic that has stimulated the desire to explore space, despite it being a hostile environment completely unsuitable for the survival of life. As a result, numerous technological advances have been made in attempts to explore space, first starting with unmanned vehicles and eventually progressing to manned missions. Countless spacecraft have been launched and landed on celestial bodies since the mid-20th century, but landings on the Moon were the furthest humans have ever traveled. Taking this into account, the main advantage of robotic exploration is cost efficiency. Robotic exploration has been a key element in paving the way for human exploration. Because the technology sent into space is more disposable than human life, there are fewer considerations to ensure the health and safety of the astronaut. Subsequently, many costs can be saved in creating and maintaining equipment that allows human survival in space. As discussed above, there are many factors and considerations regarding Earth's external environment that require alterations or technological aids for humans to survive, all of which require additional costs and represent an engineering challenge that is difficult to overcome. More importantly, shuttle missions are significantly more expensive to launch than robotic explorations. Current estimates of shuttle launches average approximately $1.3 billion over a lifetime, with additional costs per launch incurred (Phys.org, 2005). While this amount covers development costs and security changes, the overall costs are extremely high with minimal return. Compared to the wider range of data that unmanned missions can provide, manned missions are limited in this respect as humans require more to function. Basic needs for survival; food, water and air are lacking in space, requiring sources to be delivered to astronauts or taken with them on their journey. There is also a need to repair and maintain equipment that supports the astronauts' temporary habitat (Phys.org, 2005). In relation to Mars missions, there have been many successes such as the Mars Pathfinder and Exploration Rovers that explored the surface of Mars. and has provided valuable evidence such as the presence of water on Mars and evidence of conditions suitable for microbial life (NASA, n.d.). However, an argument can be made for human exploration. Although robots are capable of moving much further and in more hostile conditions than humans, the lack of flexibility in each mission.