Consider the enormity of an effort to send astronauts to Mars. When Mars is closest to Earth, the distance is still about 200 times that between Earth and the moon, which means it would take several months to reach Mars. The amount of food, water, oxygen and other basic supplies necessary for such a journey would require a far larger spacecraft than anything built yet. And it’s by no means certain that humans could survive the trip.
The astronauts would be exposed to cosmic radiation and other dangers when in outer space or in the Mars environment for two years. If they could survive, consider the serious psychological ramifications of spending two years in a confined space with little ability to communicate normally with loved ones back home. Although traveling at the velocity of light, a radioed comment like “Good morning, how are you?” would not receive a response until many minutes later.
And the physical issues are enormous. Even with vigorous daily exercise, will an astronaut be able to walk on Earth after two years under no gravity? Will the astronaut’s digestive system operate properly?
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