Period of abacus, for the research groups. After the precise number of alien civilizations in our galaxy (36), a new study evaluates resources for outposts on Mars. According to the new study, humanity should send at least 110 people to Mars to build a self-sustaining civilization there.
New research has attempted to understand how many people and resources would be needed to establish a colony on Mars. The article, written by Jean-Marc Salotti of the National Polytechnic of Bordeaux Institut, attempted to resolve the issue using mathematical models. And he "discovered" that perhaps surviving on another planet is less prohibitive than expected.
The team tried to find out both the minimum number of people who should settle in order to live on the planet, and the way of life they should pursue to make their life completely self-sufficient.
Give me 110 astronauts and I will build a world for you
The verdict? Precise this time too. 110 is the minimum number of individuals required, although having more people would obviously be better. The mathematical model also highlighted that the success of these people would depend on various factors, mostly linked to "soft skills". Above all, obviously, relational skills, the ability to work together and share time and resources.
Professor Salotti naturally stressed that the question is largely theoretical at the moment, but could have significant effects for the future of humanity. Life on Earth could one day be threatened by “some catastrophic event,” he noted, and the only way to save the species would be to head to Mars or some other planet.
Cologne on Mars? Management issue.
Some companies including SpaceX attempted to ensure that can happen, including plans for settlements on the red planet and rockets to carry materials and people. Everything will depend on the wise management of resources, obviously: for this reason the Salotti team's research has a value that goes far beyond the theoretical aspect.
The study, entitled “Minimum number of colonists for survival on another planet”, was published in Scientific Reports this week.
