"How much tidal stress would be necessary to keep geologically active a world as massive as Mars?"
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Question
Would it ever be possible for a human to go to Mars? If so, what would be necessary to maintain a human in Mars?
Yes, it is possible, although there are many uncertainties about the technology to travel to Mars and back, as well as about the effects of the trip on human crews. We already know from our experience living on the Mir Space Station in the 1990s and on the International Space Station today that humans can survive such long trips in good health. The only thing that makes a six-month flight to Mars any different from a six-month flight in Earth orbit is enhanced levels of ionizing radiation. Radiation is a problem, but the levels are not too high to preclude travel to Mars. As for conditions on the surface of Mars, you can find these discussed in many previous answers posted on this website.
David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
May 24, 2004
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