Have you ever watched “The First 10,000 Days on Mars”? The expansive cosmos remains an infinite muse for humankind, inspiring intrepid pursuits of exploration and discovery. Recently, a particularly intriguing piece of media, a YouTube video titled, “The First 10,000 Days on Mars” (Timelapse), has fascinated space enthusiasts and scientific communities alike. In this piece, we aim to recapitulate key findings from this remarkable visualization and discuss why it merits your attention.
A Leap to the Red Planet – Initial Days
The video starts with a striking scene – five Starships touch down on Mars1, marking the genesis of a Martian colony. These Starships, laden with essential life support systems such as solar panels, oxygen, water, food, and habitation pods, pave the way for the first human arrival in two years, the inception of agriculture in nine years, and notably, the birth of the first Martian baby in 15 years.
From Terran Outpost to Self-Sufficient Colony
While Mars’ inhospitable conditions might daunt us, the timeline depicted in the video reassures our prospects of survival:
- Years 0-2: Robotic aids and rovers, including Boston Dynamics’ mechanical dogs2, set up the primary base and initiate fuel production experiments.
- Year 2: A fleet of Starships brings the first human settlers, comprising scientists, engineers, and medics. They live in their landed Starships, adapting to Martian gravity and weather.
- Year 9: The Green Project sees the start of indoor cultivation, with genetically engineered plants growing in Martian soil3. Cyanobacteria is used to produce fertilizer, eventually reducing food imports from Earth.
- Year 15: The first baby is born on Mars, adding a new chapter to human history.
A New Dawn – Martian Society Flourishes
The video explores how the society on Mars evolves. From the landing of the second group of settlers, humans outnumber robots, with architects, botanists, and privately paying individuals marking their presence. The Mars base, expanding with 3D printed habitats4 and larger hydroponic facilities, nurtures a burgeoning Martian society.
The next significant milestone arrives around 2035 – the ‘Great Crossing,’ when hundreds of settlers arrive on Mars, taking the population over the 1,000 mark5. A few key developments follow:
- Mars welcomes its first permanent residents and celebrates its first Martian marriage.
- A tunnel digger starts creating underground habitats, launching Elon Musk’s Boring Mars Company.
- The first Martian political system is established with over 7,000 residents now on Mars6.
- More industrial and recreational establishments open, like the first restaurant and a Tesla Gigafactory.
By 2051, the Martian society becomes self-sufficient for all essential goods7, albeit still reliant on Earth for advanced electronics.
A Reciprocal Relationship – Earth and Mars
The video highlights the interconnected futures of Earth and Mars. Innovations like mRNA manufacturing facilities on Mars ensure the Martians’ health when they return to Earth. Conversely, earthlings experience Mars vicariously through a Mars-born human’s visit to Earth.
A Green Future? Martian Ecology
Intriguingly, the video indicates that Mars could witness the emergence of its own ecology. Enclosed greenhouse domes built over melted ice lakes contribute to oxygenating Mars’ atmosphere8. There’s even the prospect of wild grass growing on the Martian surface.
Conclusion: Why We Recommend “The First 10,000 Days on Mars”
This video encapsulates a hopeful chronicle of human tenacity, resilience, and innovation in the face of formidable challenges. It offers vital insights into potential Martian colonization, and hence, serves as a remarkable educational resource for students of astrophysics and space enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, it stands as a testament to our relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration, reminding us of the endless possibilities that await in our cosmic backyard.
Footnotes
- YouTube, “The First 10,000 Days on Mars”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3hPH_bc0Ww
- Boston Dynamics, https://www.bostondynamics.com/
- NASA, “Cyanobacteria on Mars”, https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/cyanobacteria
- AI Space Factory, https://www.aispacefactory.com/
- NASA, “Mars Facts”, https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html
- Mars Society, https://www.marssociety.org/
- SpaceX, https://www.spacex.com/
- MIT, “Green Mars”, https://news.mit.edu/2015/green-mars-0909