Who Will Be the First Human to Step on Mars: A NASA Astronaut or a SpaceX Employee?

As humanity gears up for its grand endeavor into Mars, the question arises: will the first human to step on Mars be a seasoned NASA astronaut or a SpaceX employee? Given the current landscape and potential changes in strategies, let's delve into the possibilities.

The Unique Opportunity and Tourist Status

It's worth noting that any individual who makes it to Mars will essentially be a 'tourist' for the initial moments on the red planet. They will have the privilege and responsibility to document their experience through eyes and cameras for the world to see. Once on Mars, what they chose to do with their time is entirely up to them, making the journey as significant as the destination itself.

Training and Roles for Mars Landing

Astronauts preparing to land on Mars are rigorously trained in specific roles that are crucial for the establishment of human habitable conditions. These roles may include, but are not limited to, engineering, scientific research, and the management of resources. The primary focus will be on creating a livable environment that can support human life, not just survival.

Will NASA or SpaceX Lead the Way?

The race for Mars isn't only about who will make it first; it's also about who will be leading the charge. Currently, NASA has its sights set on orbiting Mars by 2035, with a potential landing in 2037. However, due to unforeseen delays and changes in priorities, this timeline may extend further. The Trump administration's redirection to focus on lunar missions has put a hold on Mars initiatives, significantly impacting NASA's schedules.

The SLS (Space Launch System) program, which NASA had hoped to utilize, has not proven to be the answer to their Martian aspirations. Instead, a collaboration between NASA and SpaceX could be more feasible. If NASA were to invest heavily in SpaceX's Starship program, providing expertise and research gained from Mars rovers and orbiters, a joint effort might result in the first Martian visitor wearing both NASA and SpaceX logos, trained by NASA's expertise.

The Role of a Mars Visitor

Labeling the first human visitor to Mars as a "colonist" would be a significant misstep. Their mission will be more research and exploration than anything else. A round-trip to Mars, given the current orbital parameters, would last approximately 18 months, a time frame that is relatively brief compared to the long-term plans for Mars colonization.

Living in a gravity environment of one-third of Earth's would pose unprecedented challenges for the human body, especially after months spent in zero-gravity. The potential risks to human health could be dire. Non-survivable conditions due to low gravity levels could halt Mars colony plans for a long time. Conversely, successful missions could pave the way for building adaptive habitats that simulate Earth's gravity, though at a significant cost.

Even if the first visitors thrive and contribute to setting up a small base, it may take decades to truly establish a colony. This hypothetical person would likely return to Earth rather than settling permanently on Mars. The concept of a "colonist" who plans to spend the rest of their life on Mars remains a distant dream.

Conclusion

The race to Mars is an exciting pursuit that involves both NASA and SpaceX. Whether the first visitor will be a NASA astronaut or a SpaceX employee remains to be seen, but it is clear that the role of the initial visitor will be a crucial one in the march towards Martian colonization. Whatever the situation, the journey is far from over, and both organizations are pushing the boundaries of human exploration and understanding.