Space Travel: 15 Unique Things To Do On Mars And On The Moon

Things to do on Mars

Mars has been the subject of the next space travel destination for a while now. The NASA Mars Rovers, in particular, have been analyzing samples on the Martian ground for many years to learn more about the Red Planet. As it turns out, certain minerals and chemicals were found and studied that may suggest past traces of water, and maybe life. Though there’s no direct evidence found yet for life on Mars, we’ve been more optimistic and enthusiastic to learn more about our neighbor planet. In fact, we have so much in store for Mars. Later in 2020, NASA will launch a new Mars rover called “Perseverance”, which will focus on finding traces of ancient life. And for tourism, SpaceX has been a major proponent of this goal and aims to send humans to Mars in the near future. We may have to wait for a little while before this becomes a reality, but it does not mean we can’t start planning our itinerary and list the things we can do on Mars!

1. Visit the tallest volcano in the Solar System - Olympus Mons

A trip to Mars would not be complete without visiting its biggest attraction - literally, the biggest. Roughly stretching the size of the state of Arizona, or the size of France, Olympus Mons stands tall at a height of 16 miles (25.74 kilometers), about three times the height of Earth’s tallest mountain, Everest! This shield volcano was formed by lava slowly erupting on its sides, creating low slopes that could make it easy for future space hikers to climb. This monster of a volcano has been dormant for millions of years, so scientists are currently studying if it’s still truly active. Just imagine if it would erupt, considering its size.

2. See the largest canyon in the Solar System - Valles Marines

If the biggest volcano in the solar system is not enough, imagine hovering over Mars and seeing a vast area that spans 3,000 kilometers (1864.11 miles). Valles Marines is the “Grand Canyon” of the Solar System. In fact, it’s about four times longer than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which we have on Earth. The origin of this Martian canyon remains unknown as scientists are still currently studying and proposing different theories. But in the same way, we can just imagine riding a “space helicopter” over Valles Marines and enjoy the beauty of this red planet.

3. Possible signs of life at Gale Crater

Ever wondered if life really existed on Mars? Back in August 2012, the famous Mars Curiosity Rover sent by NASA landed on Mars at Gale Crater. It is here that we can see clay and sulfate minerals, which are byproducts of water. This could suggest that water may have been present in the past, which could provide a hospitable environment for life. That is why Gale Crater was special and chosen as the landing site for the Mars Rover. Curiosity remains operational today (as of 2020) and has been on Mars for more than 2000 Earth days collecting Martian soil and rock samples which scientists continue to analyze for signs for water and ancient life.

We can envision a museum being established here in the future, showcasing the achievements of the Curiosity Rover and the promising pieces of evidence for water that Gale Crater provides. But for now, if by any chance you’re in the area, be sure to check out the tire tracks left by the rover on Martian ground.

4. Spot a Star Trek logo on Mars

Calling out all fans of Star Trek, as the Red Planet will surely entertain you with a taste of the popular science fiction series. Right down in the southeast Hellas Planitia region of Mars, there is a geological feature that resembles the Starfleet insignia, the logo of the beloved Star Trek franchise. First spotted by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2019, this piece of Martian structure is a “dune cast”, which are remains formed by wind and solidified lava from a past volcanic eruption. So don’t forget to drop by and give a Vulcan salute to the Red Planet before leaving!

5. Be adventurous and ride around Mars on a terrain vehicle

The ATV has been a popular adventure sport we enjoy here on Earth, and just imagine if we could have an out-of-this-world experience riding on a Mars roving vehicle, along the different terrains and natural sights of the Red Planet. In 2017, NASA unveiled a “Mars Rover concept vehicle” as part of their exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for that year. The concept vehicle is operated by a solar-powered electric motor and could move fast, up to 70 miles (112.65 kilometers) per hour. But during exploration, it is designed to travel between 10 to 15 miles (16.09 to 24.14 kilometers) per hour. Finally, the back section of the vehicle even serves as a mobile laboratory, which could detach during research. Compared to the actual and successful Lunar Roving Vehicles that several astronauts drove on the Moon, back in the 1971 and 1972 Apollo missions, this concept Mars vehicle is much more advanced and bigger - weighing an estimated 5,000 pounds and spanning 28 feet (8.53 meters) long. In contrast, the Lunar Vehicles were just 10 feet (3.04 meters) long and weighed less than 500 pounds!

While this concept rover is not expected to be fully operational yet, it outlines features that may be integrated in future rovers that astronauts - and perhaps even tourists - will drive on Mars someday. So buckle up your seat belts, and get ready for the ride.

Things to do on the Moon

It was a major milestone when the Apollo 11 mission landed the first men on the Moon in 1969. Going beyond the Earth’s backyard was just a dream. But we were finally able to reach our nearest neighbor - our own natural satellite - which was a “giant leap for mankind”.

However, the last man to walk on Moon was during the last Apollo mission in 1972, and we have not been able to send another manned lunar mission through the decades. As mentioned in the introduction, NASA is going back to the Moon with its Artemis Program and plans to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. The program would continue to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon, so we can build a solid foundation, infrastructure, and economy, that will enable more people to go to the Moon and beyond. We are getting close, and it’s only a matter of time when people can go and visit the Moon - the perfect time to have a bucket list of things to do on the lunar surface.

6. Ride around the Moon in orbit

Before even landing on the lunar surface, a trip around the Moon is the best way to get a complete glimpse of Earth’s nearest neighbor. Reach the far side of the Moon, check out a bunch of craters, and then see the Earth rising above the surface of the Moon as you circle back to the other side. What an incredible sight! This experience is actually now made available by a space travel company called “Space Adventures”, which is offering a “tour package” to send two tourists and one astronaut aboard a Russian space vehicle on a trajectory around the Moon. This experience is offered at a private custom price depending on the tourist’s requests and timeline.

But one of the most celebrated news that was heavily covered by the media about lunar orbit is SpaceX’s announcement on its first passenger to fly around the Moon. Declared back in 2018, a Japanese billionaire and fashion innovator Yusaku Maezawa paid for the SpaceX ticket to the Moon, as part of its Lunar BFR Mission, which is scheduled to fly in 2023. The price was undisclosed, but it’s definitely a handsome fee.

As you’re saving up for your next travel adventure, be sure to think of the Moon, because you’ll never know when this journey will be around the corner.

7. View the far side of the Moon and the largest recognized crater in the Solar System

Here on Earth, there is one side of the Moon that we never get to see due to tidal forces that have to keep the same side of the lunar surface to face Earth, as both rotate in orbit. So if and when we ever get the chance to land on the Moon, this is definitely a must-visit destination.

Here on the far side of the Moon, lie many lunar craters, including the largest and oldest recognized crater in the Solar System known as the South Pole-Aitken basin, which is 2,500 kilometers (1553.42 miles) in diameter. Enjoy the rugged terrain and check out a multitude of craters on this side of the Moon that we don’t see every day.

8. Visit Tranquility Base (landing site of Apollo 11 mission)

There is no other important landmark on the lunar surface as extraordinary as the landing site of the Apollo 11 mission, known as Tranquility Base. This marks the very first-ever Moon landing by humans, fronted by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin back in 1969. A lot of their original equipment, including the lunar module, still remains at the original site on the lunar surface. Don’t forget to check out the footprints they left behind on the lunar ground.

Interestingly, as a tourist attraction, Tranquility Base is heavily featured as a concept album of the rock band Arctic Monkeys. Named “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”, the album depicts a luxury hotel at this site of the Apollo 11’s lunar landing. Then, there’s Ryan Gosling’s depiction of Neil Armstrong in the film “First Man”, which highlights the astronaut’s journey before and during the Apollo 11 mission.

It is only here, at Tranquility Base, that we can relive the moment in history as “one small step for man, a giant leap for mankind”.

9. View of the Earth from the Moon

An experience on the Moon would not be complete without looking back at our very own home planet. Catch the Earth rising above the Moon’s horizon, against the backdrop of black, empty space. A view of the Earth’s continents, seas, and clouds - all in one glimpse - is breathtaking. Seeing the Earth from the Moon could shift our perspective and change the way we think about life and everything in the Universe. Although it may look small from the lunar surface, and that there are bigger worlds than Earth, we know that our home planet is very special and full of life.

10. Check out some historical souvenirs from astronauts and past space missions

Since the first lunar landing of Apollo 11 in 1969, there were further lunar missions that followed, with a total of 12 men officially landing on the Moon. These past missions have since left each of their own “Earthly” souvenirs on the lunar surface. These include their original equipment, tools, boots, and even three lunar vehicles! Some of them also left behind personal memorabilia such as a family photo of an astronaut. But after so many years, that photo may have already faded to white. There is also a set of golf balls, which an astronaut smuggled to play golf on the Moon during the Apollo 14 mission. Probably the most significant souvenir to check out is a small silicon disc the size of a coin piece, brought by the Apollo 11 crew to leave as a “gift” on the moon. “Goodwill messages” from leaders of 73 countries were etched on the disc. This disc is cased inside an aluminum capsule to protect it and preserve it.

The severe temperatures of the Moon have damaged most of these items left behind, but one memento in particular surely remains - those of the tracks and footprints astronauts had left behind. Due to the fact that there is neither water nor air on the Moon, almost nothing could wipe away those prints, and they may even last for millions of years.

11. Take a walk, a "Moon walk"

Strolling down the lunar surface is a lot different than when you would leisurely walk on Earth. It’s definitely lighter, in terms of weight and gravity, since the Moon’s gravity is only 1/6th of Earth’s. Trying to take normal steps would get you to fly off into the air and fall over. That’s why those astronauts during the Apollo missions had taken the time to train and find the perfect balance moving across the Moon. In effect, walking on the Moon is more of a series of bunny hops and jumps just to move from point to point. Definitely an activity deemed as more exhilarating than doing Michael Jackson’s signature dance.

12. Ride a dune buggy on the lunar surface

Adventure on the lunar surface does not end at visiting a couple of craters and some attractions. Take advantage of some of its terrain and ride on a “Moon” buggy, just like you would on an ATV on Earth. Officially called “Lunar Roving Vehicles” (LRVs), these “Moon” buggies are already a reality since the Apollo missions in the early 1970s. Starting with Apollo 15 in 1971, the first lunar vehicle was taken on a ride by astronauts David Scott and Jim Irwin and was primarily built by Boeing as a contractor of NASA. Since then, two more vehicles were sent to the Moon, one each for Apollo 16 and 17. All three “Moon buggies” are left behind on the lunar surface, though the extreme temperatures of the Moon would have destroyed their batteries.

As part of their current Artemis Program, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, NASA is currently seeking new designs and proposals from the private industries to build a new lunar vehicle made specifically for humans. Although this would start with the astronauts using it, we can only hope that this is the first step in creating a lunar riding experience both for tourists and private citizens alike.

13. Tycho crater

The funny thing about the popularity of this crater is not due to its size - it’s just 85 kilometers (52.81 miles) in diameter. Its prominence is due to its young relative age. Located in the southern lunar highlands, it appears as a bright spot stretching across much of the nearside of the Moon. Named after the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, the crater’s young age has still kept intact the material ejected during the impact that created the crater. This shows off beautiful rays - visible bright streaks - which makes it stand out among the other craters.

All craters start out like this after their formation, but their rays fade away over time due to exposure to the space environment. Compared to other craters, Tycho is young enough and estimated to be about 108 million years old. This may seem a long time for us, but most craters are billions of years old. That’s what makes Tycho the new crater on the block.

14. Catch a solar eclipse on the Moon

Without any clouds and atmosphere, the Moon is the perfect place for viewing a solar eclipse. So take a seat on the lunar surface and catch a front-row view of this amazing phenomenon.

On Earth, whenever we see a solar eclipse, it’s the Moon that blocks the Sun. On the lunar surface, things are reversed - the Earth blocks the Sun - which hides behind the blue planet. As you view it from the Moon’s surface, a ring of light is visible surrounding Earth. In 1969, astronaut Alan Bean saw one during the Apollo 12 mission, on their way back from the Moon. Be sure to check out the schedule for the next solar eclipse, and book in advance to catch the show. You never know, you just might just catch it during your next visit on the Moon!

15. Take home a lunar rock as a souvenir

As tourists and travelers, we’d like to take something home to remember our trip and share our stories and experiences with our loved ones. We might not have a gift shop or postcard on the Moon just yet, but we may be able to take a piece of the Moon to remember it by, right from the lunar surface - Moon rocks.

The six Apollo missions have collected and transported a total of 382 kilograms of lunar rocks and samples back to Earth (the Soviets had separately also brought back 300 grams worth of Moon samples). These were all collected and transported carefully, stored in secured and sterile packaging to avoid contamination. When the first Moon rocks arrived on Earth, the samples were isolated and monitored for weeks, to check for any harmful and toxic materials. Some animals and insects were placed in isolation with the Moon rocks to see if they have biological effects, and even cockroaches were fed Moon rocks. Fortunately, no harm was done. To protect and preserve the lunar rocks, they are carefully stored in pressurized vaults, filled with nitrogen, at the Lunar Sample Laboratory, within NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas (however, there is another smaller storage facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico).

Some rocks have also been given to other scientific institutions and countries for worldwide research collaboration. US President, Richard Nixon, had also gifted Moon rocks to over a hundred countries, some of which got lost, stolen, and involved in illegal selling activities. Finally, one special Moon-rock, known as the “lunar Touchrock”, is exhibited at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, in Washington DC. Being only one of the few “touchable” lunar samples in the world, it is one of the most popular attractions at the museum.

It’s worth noting that these Moon rocks were collected for the purpose of scientific research, and not primarily as souvenirs. Proper protocol and precautions were implemented. NASA, as well as many other scientists, have worked hard to handle these samples with a great amount of care, not only to protect us but also to preserve these samples so they can be examined further by future generations.

Beyond the Earth's backyard

By now, our trip to Mars and the Moon have taken us millions of miles into space. But, we have discovered and explored a lot of new things and seen new sights that help us get to know our planetary neighbors a little bit better. This is just the first step, as our curiosity will lead us beyond the Earth’s backyard, deep into our cosmic neighborhood.