Mars and the Moon stand as the primary objectives for major aerospace agencies worldwide. These organizations harbor ambitious plans for these celestial bodies. However, recent findings from a new study might compel them to reconsider their strategies, especially concerning Mars.
The concept of colonizing Mars has transitioned from the realm of science fiction into a plausible reality. Organizations like NASA and other prominent space exploration entities envision a future where they can harness the resources of the red planet. But will this endeavor yield the expected profits? The newly published study suggests a different outcome.
Only 161 Minerals Found on Mars
The diversity of minerals on Mars is exceptionally limited. Despite over five decades of dedicated research and analysis, scientists have identified only 161 distinct minerals on the planet. While this number may appear substantial at first glance, it pales in comparison to Earth, which boasts nearly 6,000 known minerals.
Other Noteworthy Findings
The recent study, conducted by Hazen et al, meticulously analyzed each of the minerals discovered on Mars. Their research led to the striking revelation that only 20 distinct mineral formation processes exist on the Martian landscape. According to the findings, the initial minerals on both Mars and Earth originated in a similar manner—through the cooling and crystallization of magma. However, the history of Mars diverges significantly from Earth, marked by a lack of critical events and dramatic changes.
Many terrestrial changes, such as tectonic plate movements and the emergence of life, played pivotal roles in influencing the diversity and development of minerals. With none of these transformative events occurring on Mars, the quantity of generated minerals remains substantially lower. Nevertheless, the study acknowledges that there is much more to uncover about Mars, both on its surface and beneath it. While they hold open the possibility of discovering additional minerals and elements that could balance the equation, they affirm that it is highly improbable for Mars to ever rival Earth’s variety of minerals.
This revelation carries potential implications. Numerous mining companies are already considering potential business opportunities on Mars, foreseeing the extraction of Martian minerals as a lucrative venture on Earth. The allure of possessing minerals from Mars is undeniable, representing a potentially groundbreaking commercial achievement in the future. However, if the quantity and value of obtainable minerals from Mars prove to be limited, it could influence future plans for the red planet.
As previously mentioned, the successful expansion of human society on Mars, facilitated through collaborative efforts among various agencies, governments, and private enterprises, relies on several key pillars, including commercial ventures such as mining. The repercussions of the findings detailed in this study on future Mars exploration and exploitation plans remain to be seen.