Manned Mission to Mars for Resource Extraction
Reason
Mars is one of the most investigated planets on Earth’s solar system, where minerals such as iron and other metals have been discovered. Bringing these materials on Earth can be a significant scientific achievement and potential commercial benefit to the United States and the rest of the world. According to findings from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, there are some traces of gold and iron locked up as rust on Mars surface that is capable of supporting a Mars exploration base stand on its own feet (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2020). Therefore, as a result, I propose that the United States government, through the House of Representatives and the Senate, approve this manned mission of resource extraction from Mars to Earth by allocating the required funds.
Timeline
It is estimated to take at least one year and three months to develop the necessary technology that can be used for the transportation and extraction of these necessary minerals from the surface of the Earth. Based on the analysis from Leotaud, biomining is a reality on Earth and can be used in space to extract minerals saving earth money and environmental destruction in the future (Leotaud, 2019). Alternatively, it is estimated that it will take at least 300 days to travel to Mars and back to Earth.
Budget
The estimated cost of travel and extract of minerals in Mars as well as bringing it back to Earth is approximately $20 billion. Considering the funding climate right now, it is best to seek 50 percent of the funding from Space X or any other voluntary private company and invite the company as a private contractor who is bound to be the partial beneficiary of the minerals brought back to Earth as a result.