Health

Physical Health

Our Mars society is supposed to grow and flourish on Mars. A big part of this is keeping all members of society happy and healthy. This is a difficult task given that humans have not evolved to live on Mars. With high levels of radiation and only 38% of the gravity of Earth, there are multiple health risks involved with going to Mars. Travelling to Mars takes 9 months and is possible only once every 26 months. It also is not possible to return to Earth after having spent such a long time on Mars. This not only means that we have to prevent people from getting ill by implementing health and safety regulations, but we also have to be prepared to treat illness when it does occur. Part of this preparation is having a well-equipped hospital with doctors who have had special Mars related training in surgery and diagnostics. The hospital will also include a laboratory so we have the ability to research all pathogens we might deal with on Mars.

Mental Health

Environment

Before boarding for this incredible journey, one must know that the main concern we have is regarding depressive thoughts. By being put into a completely new environment with no possibility of returning to Earth, it is normal to feel stranded and depressed. Our usual habitat plays a demonstrated role in our well-being for relaxation and attention. The lack of this “natural environment” can overwhelm our processing abilities and lead to a burnout or depression.

However, the use of fractal shapes has proved to be helping our adaptation to this new “natural” environment that will become our new normal. Fractal shapes can compose objects or furniture by making each observable level of these objects of the same shape.

Our architects will ensure that our home on Mars will protect us and be efficient while being comfortable and welcoming.

Individual support

Each pioneer is unique and faces specific psychological issues. We believe there are skills that can be taught to face many of the mildest of these issues. Therefore, each pioneer will receive an initial training to spot the first signs of certain disorders such as depression, dementia or schizophrenia. Each pioneer will also have access to a programme designed to help them cope with day-to-day issues and keep track of the evolution of their psychological state. Only the psychologists on Mars will have access to the data that each pioneer will report to ensure the overall well-being of the colony and be able to provide each pioneer with face-to-face help if needed. The well-being and the stability of the colony is crucial for the survival of the pioneers and the success of the settlement.

Thereby, each pioneer will be asked every day to take five minutes and log into the programme to fill in their psychological report. This programme will also allow the more introverted of us or shy to share their concerns. The programme will also provide detailed skill training to face certain psychological issues, going further than the initial training. It goes without saying that the psychologists on board are here for all pioneers and will receive them for physical sessions as well.

Social

Humans are a social species which means that individuals gain their knowledge about their world, others and themselves through others. Regardless of the amount of social interactions someone prefers, all individuals can benefit from them to improve their well-being. With this in mind the living team designed a station that can facilitate social gathering. Pioneers can casually meet in the great village hall where celebrations and activities will also be held. They can cook together in the kitchen and enjoy their meal all together in the canteen or go for a picnic in the park. They can also arrange sport sessions or Mars Olympics in the sports hall. Finally they can all relax and rest together in their accommodations. A committee in charge of events will ensure that people can enjoy extra-professional activities and take time off their assigned duties.

We are aware that social interactions can be friendly as likely as they can be conflictive. The code of conduct of our Mars Society, which will be available to all and required to be learnt, will help in setting social rules and norms which are dear to our pioneers and crucial for our mission.It includes norms regarding conflict resolution, concern expression and political hierarchy. It will be open to revision if needs be but one must agree to it before enrolling for this expedition.

Organisational

As mentioned above, the organizational structure will be described in the code of conduct and will be explained during the pioneers preparation. Further information can also be found on this website.

Concerning mental health, the organizational structure has been designed so everyone can voice their opinion, concern or participate in decision making, yet the structure implies strong positions in order to have a dynamic and efficient flow of power to maintain order, welfare and ensure the success of the mission.

This structure is organised as follows: there will be an overarching council composed of several members from different fields which will take most of the decision. Under the council, there will be several committees overlooking the day-to-day affairs of specific aspects of life on Mars (more details can be found in the organizational page of this website). Anyone can be a candidate to become a council member or a committee member. They will be elected and not assigned to positions.

Regarding punishments, their purpose is to ensure the safety and the well-being of all. They will be adapted to this new environment and will be severe but fair. If a conflict of interest arises it will be judged by the overarching council and the legal council according to the code of conduct.

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