Nature Podcast Living on Mars would probably suck — here's why
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Apr 19, 2024 Kelly and Zach Weinersmith discuss the challenges of human settlement on Mars, including psychological hurdles, environmental obstacles, and legal complexities. They compare the feasibility of colonizing the moon versus Mars, emphasizing the unique health implications and required skill sets. The podcast delves into the need for genetic diversity, intensive agriculture, and the legal ambiguities surrounding resource extraction in space. Additionally, the speakers explore the complexities of space ownership, accident liabilities, and the importance of international regulation in space exploration.
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Lunar Leftovers
- The Apollo missions left bags of feces and vomit on the moon, a concentrated carbon source.
- NASA considers this waste a heritage item, discouraging its use.
Moon Dust Dangers
- Lunar regolith, the moon's soil, is abrasive and electrostatically charged, clinging to everything.
- It poses health risks if inhaled and can damage equipment.
Mars' Challenges
- Mars has a thin atmosphere, leading to radiation exposure and planet-wide dust storms.
- Martian soil contains perchlorates, harmful to human thyroids.