Space exploration and research through the University of Guelph
For years, advancements in science and space exploration have allowed for extraordinary discovery. Through this, a new interest has arisen in the possibility of sending humans to Mars.
So, why go to Mars? What are the risks? Is it possible for life to be sustained on the red planet? These are just some of the many inquiries examined on Mon, Nov. 14 during the third installment of the Derry Dialogues lecture series.
Hosted by the University of Guelph, this year’s lecture series covered material focusing primarily on the possibilities of expanding space exploration and travelling to Mars. The panel of guest speakers focused on the research currently being done, the pros and cons, and the risks and advantages of eventually sending the very first team of humans to the infamous red planet.
Dr. Mike Dixon, a professor of environmental science at the University of Guelph, discussed his interest in research methods focusing on the possibility of plant growth on Mars. Dixon discussed how plant growth on Mars would be significant for food, oxygen, and carbon dioxide uptake. He discussed studies that are being done, including attempts to grow plants in a series of different environments.
Dr. Ralf Gellert, a professor of physics at the University of Guelph, who is involved in the NASA Mars Exploration rover mission and the landing of the MER rover, explained the importance of rovers on Mars, the information they have collected, and how this helps researchers. He also provided an overview of the discovery of water on Mars and what this means in terms of our knowledge about the planet. Some of these discoveries show researchers that it is possible that Mars was once habitable.Gellert concluded by explaining, “We use Mars as a time capsule to understand better the history of Earth, the history of life, and what our position in the universe is.”
Dr. Linda Billings, a researcher and consultant for programs with NASA in astrobiology, covered the many complications around sending humans to Mars and discussed how, as a society, humans just aren’t ready for life on Mars. She discussed obstacles such as ethics, possible contamination upon return, and specifically cost. She also talked about research surrounding how other planets have been discovered to possibly contain livable areas.
Canadian engineer, physician, and former Canadian Space Agency astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk discussed the risks involved with space travel and how these risks would have to be addressed before a team could be sent to Mars. Risks such as high exposure to ionizing radiation and stress are crucial prior to lift-off. Thirsk also discussed the ideal team that would be sent; he says the team would most likely have around six people with an array of skills.
“They need to be people who love to dive into the guts of a car engine and be able to tear it apart and put it back together,” Thirsk explained. “We need reliable systems that can withstand the two-and-a-half year journey to a planet that is at least 54 million kilometres away.”
He also discussed some of the equipment failures he had to deal with on his trip to space including the oxygen scrubber and, naturally, the toilet.
Open to both students and the community, the Derry Dialogues proved to be a popular event for a younger audience, who could one day be among the first humans to walk on Mars.
Photo credit NASA JPL- Caltech Msss.