Diary of Mars Colony
October 20, 2035
I’m on day 200 today. Every day is thrilling but frustrating too. We get new assignments to perform as a scientist every other day.
Challenge 1: Aggressive Climate
The Martian environment is very harsh. We have -125 degrees Celsius nighttime temperatures, and we are having weeks’ long lasting dust storms cutting down visibility and affecting our machinery. We are conducting daily testing and maintenance of our habit modules in the forms of oxygenators, heaters, and recycling water so that we are running all operations. The safety is by working together in harmony and scheduling our physical training on a daily basis.
Challenge 2: Psychological Stress
It is difficult to be so far from Earth. Isolation and confinement in a closed setting can lead to stress and homesickness. We mitigate this through psychological counseling, virtual reality therapy to simulate Earth-like settings, and frequent contact with loved ones on Earth. We also organize social events and team-building activities to keep relationships with each other intact. We celebrate birthdays, spend a night in watching movies, and also plant flowers in a small garden to make the world around us more beautiful.
Challenge 3: Limited Resources
We have very limited resources. We have a limited water, food, and energy supply and receive the occasional resupply ships from Earth at huge expense. We grow our own food on hydroponic and aeroponic farms, we recycle water, and we’re powered by solar panels and a small nuclear reactor. We’re constantly seeking ways to be more efficient and waste less.
Challenge 4: Scientific Research
It is hard to research on Mars because we have less gravity and no oxygen to breathe. We wear special gear and talk to scientists on Earth that help us make our tests more accurate. As we learn more, we are able to learn more about Mars.
In spite of all this hardship, I am fortunate to be on this mission. Every morning in here, which dawns day after day, is a proof of human resilience and genius. I wish for more discoveries and thrill with every find in this red rock world.