Could You Survive on Mars with The A7L Apollo Suit?

When it comes to the prospects of human habitation on Mars, one question stands at the forefront: could you survive on the red planet equipped with the A7L Apollo suit? The consensus among expert astro-biologists and simulation specialists at the Eighth International Mars Society Convention suggests not. Here, we explore why the existing gas-pressurized suits like the A7L Apollo suit are not suitable for Mars, and the innovative solution, the Mechanical Counter Pressure (MCP) suit, that could pave the way for Martian survival.

The Limitations of the A7L Apollo Suit

The A7L Apollo suit, like its predecessors, was designed primarily for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) during the Apollo missions to the Moon. These suits provided the necessary protection for astronauts in the harsh lunar environment, but they have significant limitations when it comes to surviving on the surface of Mars. Mars, with its thin atmosphere and extreme cold, presents far more challenging conditions.

Atmospheric Conditions on Mars

Mars has a very thin atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), with a surface pressure that is only about 0.6% of Earth's. The thin atmosphere provides little protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and does not trap heat effectively, leading to extremely cold temperatures on the Martian surface. Average temperatures on Mars range from -63°C to -140°C, which is far below what the A7L Apollo suit can withstand. Additionally, the atmospheric pressure is so low that breathable air could rapidly expand and cause fatal damage to the human body, making traditional gas-pressurized suits dangerously impractical.

Suit Limitations

The A7L Apollo suit, while a marvel of engineering, is bulky and heavy, designed for the lower gravity, lower atmospheric pressure, and lower radiation levels of the Moon. Its gas-pressurized design would not provide sufficient support or keep an astronaut warm enough to survive in the Martian environment. The suit's thick layers and rigid structure would also make it difficult for astronauts to perform complex tasks, vital for survival and exploration on Mars.

The Rise of the Mechanical Counter Pressure (MCP) Suit

Paul Webb, a physician from Yellow Springs, Ohio, proposed the concept of the Mechanical Counter Pressure (MCP) suit back in 1968. This innovative design aims to apply pressure externally through elastic garments rather than pressurizing the air inside the suit. The MCP suit seeks to create a safer, more flexible alternative to the bulky Apollo mission suits. Unlike the A7L Apollo suit, the MCP suit could adapt to the Martian environment more effectively.

How the MCP Suit Works

The MCP suit utilizes a network of elastic fabrics that apply pressure from the outside, providing the necessary protection and keeping astronauts warm. This design eliminates the risks of gas leaks and works in a variety of atmospheric conditions, making it more suitable for the Martian environment. The elastic fabrics can also reduce the bulkiness of the suit, allowing for greater mobility and ease of movement, necessary for daily tasks and exploration.

Advantages of the MCP Suit

The MCP suit offers several advantages over the A7L Apollo suit. Firstly, it can maintain a consistent pressure without the risk of gas leaks, which is a significant safety improvement. Secondly, the suit is more flexible, allowing astronauts to perform more complex tasks more effectively. Thirdly, the MCP suit can be tailored to different environments, making it more adaptable and versatile for different planetary missions, not just Mars but also potentially other destinations in the solar system.

Current Research and Future Prospects

With the renewed interest in Mars exploration, the US space program is dedicating resources to develop and test the MCP suit. Advances in materials science and engineering are expected to further refine the design, making the MCP suit a viable alternative for Mars missions. Research in areas such as thermal regulation, mobility, durability, and customization are crucial for ensuring the success of future Mars missions.

Potential for Broader Applications

The MCP suit's design could have broader applications beyond space exploration. In industrial and medical settings, where high-temperature or pressure environments are encountered, the MCP suit could provide a safer, more efficient solution. Additionally, the technology could be adapted for extreme sports or even astronautics in locations with different atmospheric pressures, such as high-altitude work or on other planets with different conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the A7L Apollo suit was an incredible engineering achievement, it falls short in the face of the challenges posed by the Martian environment. The Mechanical Counter Pressure (MCP) suit, with its advanced design and flexible approach, offers a promising solution for future Mars exploration. As research and development continue, the MCP suit has the potential to revolutionize not only space travel but also a range of industries and applications.

References

[1] How Can We Live on Mars

Further Reading