[Reading Science] Musk's Dream of 'Mars Conquest,' Passed on to the Next Generation?

Starship Lunar and Mars Exploration Test Launch Fails Twice in a Row
Despite Technical Advances, Many Challenges Remain
Foreign Media Say "Mars Exploration Is Not Easy"

On the 18th, citizens gathered at Boca Chica Beach in southern Texas, USA, to watch SpaceX's second test launch of the lunar and Mars crewed rocket, 'Starship.' [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Is Elon Musk's dream of human colonization of Mars possible? The test launches of Starship, the Mars exploration rocket developed by Musk's space company SpaceX, have failed twice in a row, casting a red light on efforts to pioneer space and establish colonies. Is conquering Mars truly achievable with today's science and technology?

The recent Starship launch failures are not just a private sector issue. NASA, which contracted SpaceX to use Starship as a lunar lander, has also been affected. The core of the Artemis program, the first lunar landing attempt in 50 years since the Apollo missions, relies heavily on SpaceX. NASA no longer builds spacecraft itself; instead, it uses spacecraft made by private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Human missions to the Moon via Starship are scheduled as early as 2025. NASA, which has entrusted much of the U.S. plan to send humans to the Moon to Musk, watched the recent launch with bated breath.

Of course, there have been achievements. Many issues that were lacking in the first launch, such as Starship reaching space, have been improved. After the second test launch failure, NASA stated, "Tests are opportunities to learn and fly again." Musk remains confident as well. He rebutted negative opinions by saying that preparations for a new flight would be completed within 3 to 4 weeks. The launch pad, which showed major problems during the first test launch, was significantly improved. All 33 engines ignited and emitted flames.

Musk also expressed confidence that the seven-month delay in obtaining flight permission between the first and second Starship test launches would be resolved quickly. He even announced a specific launch timeframe. Musk's goal for the third test launch is before Christmas. Some interpret this as a request to authorities to consider the clear progress made in the second attempt, unlike the first attempt which ended in flames immediately after launch. Of course, Musk's statements are hopeful aspirations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which authorizes rocket launches, classified the recent Starship explosion as an "accident." In the case of an accident, various investigations into the cause are mandatory, which naturally takes time. CNN also pointed out that although Starship is an essential element of the lunar landing plan, it still faces numerous technical challenges. This serves as a reminder that Starship, which has faced consecutive difficulties on Earth, still has many hurdles to overcome before it can land on the Moon. NASA, which has entrusted much of the U.S. plan to send humans to the Moon to Musk, watched the recent launch with bated breath.

NASA's decision not to build rockets directly but to hire private companies can also be seen as a reflection of various issues. Compared to NASA during the Apollo lunar landing program, which faced multiple failures, casualties, and enormous costs, SpaceX's situation is even more challenging. SpaceX must reduce rocket development time, as time reduction directly translates to profit. NASA only bears the obligation to pay $4 billion under its contract with SpaceX. Compared to NASA, a public institution with limited flexibility, SpaceX aims to build rockets more cheaply and reach the Moon and Mars through various attempts based on private sector efficiency, but it is not as easy as it sounds. Business Insider, a management-focused media outlet, explained that more problems are likely to emerge during the review of the recent launch failure and warned that no one should be confident about when the next test flight will take place.