By Sakshi Sah
Published Mar 28, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: NASA

What makes sending astronauts to Mars so challenging for NASA?

NASA is working to understand how humans can safely travel to Mars and return to Earth.

Photo Credit: NASA

Travelling to Mars is extremely complex. Understanding the Martian environment is key to keeping astronauts and their equipment safe.

Photo Credit: NASA

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Astronaut safety is NASA’s top priority. The harsh conditions on Mars pose serious risks to human health.

Photo Credit: NASA

Mars has no ozone layer. On Earth, this protects us from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.

Photo Credit: NASA

NASA is studying how much UV radiation reaches the Martian surface and how it might affect astronauts.

Photo Credit: NASA

UV radiation also reacts with Martian soil, creating "superoxides" that break down organic molecules.

Photo Credit: NASA

These chemical reactions may not harm astronauts, but NASA must study their effects before human missions begin.

Photo Credit: NASA

Radiation exposure is another major concern. NASA is analysing the Martian radiation environment to protect future explorers.

Photo Credit: NASA