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Human Mission to Mars Program

The Human Mission to Mars program at Florida Atlantic University is a unique course open to all undergraduate students. The program allows students to be crew members for the University's expedition to Mars, planning their mission with faculty from across four colleges.

Pedagogical Framework

The course is taught in a non-lecture, active learning format, with time spent in class centered around group discussions, projects, and developing the deductive thought process that scientists use to solve problems. Each student will join a small group to collaboratively develop efficient and systematic solutions to problems being posed.

Mission Objectives

The mission objectives include:

• Exploring the challenges and opportunities offered by the planned human missions to Mars
• Exploring the process of scientific inquiry and creativity to address a problem or challenge
• Applying the scientific method to embrace uncertainty associated with the critical evaluation of a problem or challenge
• Developing hypothesis-driven solutions integrating multiple disciplines
• Communicating scientific outcomes through teamwork and community building

Proposed Mission Schedule

The proposed mission schedule includes:

Week 1

• Introduction to the course by Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
• Discussion of why Mars, why colonize, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach

Week 2-3

• Introduction to the "Mars Direct" argument and the general strategy for a sustainable Mars mission
• Discussion of propulsion, timing of the trip to Mars and the return trip, living off the land, and preparation for survival

Week 4

• Physical effects of extended spaceflight on the human body

Week 5

• Growing food on Mars within the atmosphere-controlled colony

Week 6-7

• Effects of long-term spaceflight on human consciousness, human relationships, and groups of humans

Week 8-9

• Key components of building and functioning a Martian colony, including building materials, design, functionality, and atmospheric control

Week 10

• Microbiomes in the gut and their importance for human health on Earth and in space

Week 11

• What is needed to grow plants on Mars, including water, mineral nutrients, and enclosed ecosystems

Week 12

• Ethical and political issues related to a human mission to Mars

Week 13+

• Guest speakers, poster symposium, and wrap-up of the course

Course Information

• Subject: IDS
• CRN: 14687
• Course Number: 2382
• Section: 001
• Credit Hours: 3
• Meeting Times: Wednesday and Friday from 2:00-3:20 p.m.
• Note: The Human Mission to Mars course credits can count as an elective towards a student's degree.

Key Elements of the Mission

The key elements of the mission include:

• Propulsion: liftoff from Earth, landing on Mars, liftoff from Mars, and landing on Earth
• Timing of Mission: minimizing travel time using the Hohmann transfer orbit
• Psychology: effects of long-term spaceflight on human consciousness
• Sociology: effects of long-term spaceflight on human relationships and groups of humans
• Nutrition: food and nutritive sustenance on the way to Mars
• Physiology: physical effects of extended spaceflight on the human body
• Creating a Colony: key components of building and functioning a Martian colony
• Food on Mars: growing food on Mars within the atmosphere-controlled colony
• Ethics: ethical issues related to a human mission to Mars