The Space Race to Mars

July 20th, 1969. Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon for the first time, ending a space race that lasted for over a decade. A display of America’s scientific superiority over the Soviet Union. Much has changed since then. The fall of the Soviet Union, the many technological breakthroughs, and the evolution of space travel. Now, a new race has emerged. The space race to Mars.

The start of the Mars Race could be dated back to July 14th, 1965, amid the original space race. A US satellite, Mariner 4, performed a successful voyage around Mars. Ever since the US landed on the moon, it begged a question. How much longer until we make it to Mars?

Still long.

Yet, landing on Mars is no longer a distant thought, unlike in the 1900s era. As science has progressed, so has astronomy. Many advancements have been made, whether it be by governments or private businesses alike. All with the same vision and dream, to be the first on Mars.

Even though the space race has been going on for a very long time, it is starting to pick up momentum. The advent of various manufacturers, such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and more, reignited the dream and the race to Mars. However, that does not mean governments have given up on Mars either; ESA (European Space Agency), China, India, etc. all want a piece of the action.

Then why is it taking so long? No matter how close the distance, space travel has always been challenging, and despite being a close neighbour, Mars is an especially challenging planet to land on. Numerous accidents, such as Mariner 3, or more recently, Schiaparelli, clouded Mars in scepticism. Of the 49 trips to Mars, only 20 have been successful, earning it various nicknames, such as “The Mars Curse” or the “Galactic Ghoul”. Paired with the fact that it landed on its maiden flight (first flight), this is why the successful landing of the Chinese Tianwen-1 Rover captured much media attention in 2021.

Nevertheless, it is no longer an obscure and mysterious dream, yet a very possible and achievable goal. As astronomy and science advance, it is only a matter of time before humans will set afoot on the surface of the red planet.

Recently, the space race has resurfaced as an ambiguous and heated debate and has captured the attention of the media once more. With many manufacturers and governments disclosing their plans and hopes for the future. Only time will tell who will emerge as the true victor of the Space Race to Mars.