# The Profound Impact of Human Waste on Mars: A Closer Look
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Chapter 1: A Brief History of Martian Debris
The initial object to land on Mars was the Soviet probe Mars 2, which made its descent on November 27, 1971, but unfortunately crashed and remains there. Since that historic moment, numerous missions have failed, contributing to the growing amount of debris on the Red Planet. It's understandable if reading this makes you feel upset. Today, we’ll delve into the extent of the waste we have already sent into space. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that we haven't taken significant action to rectify this issue.
In the future, advancements may allow us to reclaim this waste without harming the environment. For now, though, we must conduct various experiments and tests. Think back to when you first attempted to create a culinary masterpiece or built something from scratch. Initially, you likely made a mess, wasting ingredients or materials before achieving the desired result. This raises the question: Is all the waste we are generating, especially on Mars, ultimately justified? Let’s explore the details and understand the magnitude of the problem.
Section 1.1: The Weight of Our Waste
The Mars 2 probe weighed approximately 1,200 kilograms. Its exact location and state remain unknown. Recently, the Opportunity rover also became part of this ever-growing list of junk after its mission concluded following a prolonged struggle to reconnect. NASA confirmed that it ceased operations due to damage from a storm in June 2018. The Opportunity rover operated for an impressive 15 years, marking the longest mission to Mars, and added substantial debris to the Martian landscape.
Imagine encountering large pieces of debris if humans ever walk on Mars, particularly since the Opportunity rover is roughly the size of a small car. Among the other debris is Mars 3, a twin of Mars 2 that failed mere seconds after landing. Prop-M was the first man-made object to move on Martian soil, but it too had a brief existence. The first successful landing came in 1976 with the Viking 1 and 2 rovers, but every mission generates waste, both organic and inorganic.
Until recently, only 15 Earth-made objects remained on Martian soil, with just two still operational. Four of these never even completed their missions, such as the Beagle robot, which landed intact in 2003 but failed to transmit any data due to its solar panels not opening. Collectively, these items weigh over 10 tons, not including smaller debris scattered at impact sites.
Section 1.2: The Pollution Problem
Some materials we send into space are highly polluting, such as batteries. Indeed, everything humans create has an environmental impact. Even the simplest activities, like building a house or manufacturing a cellphone, leave a mark on our planet. Surprisingly, even early humans affected their environment, albeit on a smaller scale.
Recently, the International Space Station released 2.9 tons of waste into space, comprising 48 replaced nickel-hydrogen batteries. This represents the largest amount of space junk to enter Earth’s orbit, according to NASA. This waste will remain in orbit for two to four years before descending and burning up in the atmosphere.
In space, organic waste undergoes a similar process, burning upon re-entry. This phenomenon, referred to as space debris, is a growing concern among researchers and specialists dedicated to space exploration.
Chapter 2: A Future of Recycling Space Debris
The first video, "Gravitas: Human trash found on Mars," discusses the extent of human waste left on the Martian surface and its implications for future exploration efforts.
As I mentioned earlier, the accumulation of debris in space can evoke frustration. I share this sentiment, but I believe solutions will eventually emerge. The knowledge gained from space missions is invaluable for humanity, and we are fortunate to have brilliant minds working on these issues.
Tom Murkusik, CEO of Firefly Space Systems, proposes that we recycle non-operational satellites to aid our missions to Mars. He suggests towing these satellites from Earth’s orbit to use their materials for Martian colonies, as components like nuts, bolts, and electronics will be essential. Estimates suggest there are hundreds of defunct satellites suitable for repurposing, significantly reducing the costs associated with launching new materials from Earth.
This repurposing effort could inspire competitions among universities or initiatives to raise awareness about the recycling process in space.
The second video, "Mars is feeling the burden of human trash," elaborates on the significant amount of waste that humanity has left behind on Mars, emphasizing the need for responsible exploration.
For those interested in further discussions, I invite you to join my Telegram group, where you can access my free guide on how androids and technology will shape humanity and future societies. Click on this link to get your free guide now: t.me/sirnicknite
Nico Nobili — Alias SirNickNite