We Are Going to Mars

Movie still cut from 'The Martian'

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The movie 'The Martian,' which depicts the survival story of an astronaut stranded during a Mars exploration mission, seems to be approaching reality soon. As various countries ramp up efforts to explore Mars, with some planning to launch Mars probes into space as early as the end of this month, the day humanity sets foot on Mars is gradually drawing nearer.

USA: From Mobile Robots to Drones...

The Mars exploration helicopter 'Ingenuity' by NASA will be the first Earth spacecraft to operate on another planet. (Photo by NASA, NASA website)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plans to launch the mobile robot Perseverance for Mars exploration as early as the end of this month to search for signs of life. Perseverance will land in the Jezero Crater, which is 45 km in diameter, climb a 60-meter-high cliff, and investigate traces of carbon hidden in rocks.

Depending on the results, it may prove that life once existed on Mars. Perseverance is preparing to collect rock samples on Mars and transport them back to Earth. These samples will be carried back to Earth by the next probe scheduled for launch in 2031.

The mission also includes the drone helicopter 'Ingenuity,' which will conduct test flights on Mars. Equipped with a small camera, this aircraft will capture and send images from the sky of the areas Perseverance will explore.

UAE: The First Arab Nation to Mars...
China Also Launches Mars Probe This Month

Mars exploration image of China (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

The UAE is aiming for its probe 'Amal' to enter Mars orbit in February next year. However, beyond the scientific goal of acquiring data for Mars exploration, there are various other reasons for the UAE's Mars mission. February next year marks the 50th anniversary of the UAE's founding. If the UAE succeeds in entering Mars orbit at this time, it will become the first Arab nation to conduct Mars exploration, establishing itself prominently. It is expected to be a golden opportunity to showcase the UAE's scientific and technological capabilities to the world.

Amal will carry out a mission to observe Mars' atmosphere continuously for one year. The goal is to find out why hydrogen and oxygen have become scarce in the Martian atmosphere.

Meanwhile, China plans to launch its Mars probe Tianwen-1 on the 23rd. The probe's name means 'Questions to Heaven.' China is known to operate an orbiter, lander, and rover simultaneously for the first time in Mars exploration. Notably, the probe is reported to be equipped with a ground-penetrating radar capable of detecting evidence of underground water on Mars.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.