Would life be better in space? Scientists say wind power could help astronauts create electricity while living on Mars. But some people are not sure if it is worth moving there at all.
The plan to power Mars by flying kites
Would life be better in space? Scientists say wind power could help astronauts create electricity while living on Mars. But some people are not sure if it is worth moving there at all.
What's happening?
How do you create electricity in space? The European Space AgencyFounded in 1975, it is based in Paris and has a membership of 22 countries, including Britain. has been running a contest to find out.
The winning team says wind power is the answer. But huge windmills are too heavy to take into space. Instead, they have suggested a simpler idea: kitesKites have been used for more than 3,000 years. In ancient China, people made them from bamboo and silk..
Human trips to Mars are getting even closer. NASA has a trip planned for the 2030s. China will send space explorers soon after that.
Elon Musk says SpaceX could send people to the red planet as soon as 2026.
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But they will need electricity when they arrive. Scientists from The Netherlands say that robots could fly a giant kite to provide power. This would help buildings and computers work on the planet.
The kite will have a surface area of 50 square metres. It would pull on a cable and turn a drum on the ground to create electricity.
The team also hopes to use solar cellsCells that convey sunlight into electricity. Solar describes anything relating to the sun.. Together, they could give power to more than five astronauts in their daily work.
One day, kites could power whole cities on Mars.
But would life be better in space?
Of course not! Humans live on Earth for a reason. We have plenty of water. We can breathe fresh air. In most places, the temperatures are not too hot or too cold for our bodies. There is beautiful scenery and millions of animals. Plus, we can grow our food in the ground! Life will always be better here.
Maybe! Mars may be different from Earth, but we could build homes and cities there if we wanted to. And Mars is just the start. There may be many planets in the universe even better than Earth! They might be bigger, or have better climates. The best thing about life in space is that it is full of possibility.
Keywords
European Space Agency - Founded in 1975, it is based in Paris and has a membership of 22 countries, including Britain.
Kites - Kites have been used for more than 3,000 years. In ancient China, people made them from bamboo and silk.
Solar cells - Cells that convey sunlight into electricity. Solar describes anything relating to the sun.
The plan to power Mars by flying kites
Glossary
European Space Agency - Founded in 1975, it is based in Paris and has a membership of 22 countries, including Britain.
Kites - Kites have been used for more than 3,000 years. In ancient China, people made them from bamboo and silk.
Solar cells - Cells that convey sunlight into electricity. Solar describes anything relating to the sun.