Night flight to Mars - The Hindu

Is there life on Mars? This question has been intriguing people for years. It's fascinating to hear theories and stories, but no one seems to have found a convincing answer yet. That may come in 2024 when Dr. Lekha Menon Margassery, from Palakkad in Kerala, sees for herself what the red planet is like. The 34-year-old marine biotechnologist will go on a one-way trip to the planet as part of the Mars One project, which aims to establish a permanent human settlement there.

The selection process began in April, 2013. Dr. Margassery is one of the 62 Indians among the 663 people shortlisted from 200,000 candidates. "I was thrilled when I first learnt about the programme through Facebook. But all the while I kept thinking that it was just another competition. Even though I was interested in the project, I didn't apply at first because I was busy with my doctoral studies," she recalls.

After completing her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of College Cork (UCC), Ireland, last June, she finally decided to apply. "When the Curiosity rover found evidence of historical water beds on Mars, which pointed to the possibility of existence of life, my curiosity was rekindled and I applied. I uploaded a profile video, filled a questionnaire and a motivational letter."

The results of the first round were announced in December 2013 and she had been selected. The second round was a medical report authorised by a government medical doctor. She cleared that too. "I still have to clear around two more rounds that will test me further on health grounds. After that I'll have to undergo strict training to help me survive on Mars," she says. The training will include periods of isolation and skills such as carrying out repairs to settlement structures, cultivating crops in confined spaces and addressing medical issues.

According to the mission plan, a reliable habitat will be set up on the planet, and crews of four will be sent every two years. The first trip to Mars (carrying four candidates) is expected to commence in 2024 and will last for about eight months. Every two years from then, the other candidates will travel until all 24 reach Mars. After that, the first four will prepare for the next four and so on. "An entire human colony will be set up in a few years. The candidates will do research such as collection of samples using the tools provided to them by the payloads and then the data will be sent down to earth through communication satellites for further analysis. Humans will also communicate, watch movies and lead a normal life just like those on earth," she explains. Dr. Margassery hopes that her research on drug discovery from marine organisms at UCC will help her discover new drugs for use on Earth.

Talking about her inspiration, Dr. Margassery unabashedly attributes it to her husband, who she says is currently not supporting her endeavour. "I like his policy of taking risks. Whenever I asked him about it, he would say that there's only one life and he has to do it. So I've taken a leaf out of his book." Another inspiration is Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel to space. "When he was in space and was asked by the then PM Indira Gandhi how India looked from up there, his reply 'Saare jahan se accha, hindustan humara' got stuck in my mind."

Her family has not yet come to terms with her trip. "They think I am crazy. They are very emotional because I may never come back," she says, ruefully. But she does not regret her decision. She knows what she has signed up for, and is totally upbeat. "It scares me but I am thrilled too. I know I'm leaving my friends and family behind and I'll really miss them. But travelling to Mars is a one-time opportunity. So let's hope for the best."

However, she does hope to be back on earth with family and friends if possible. "In future, if the technology develops, there may be a possibility for us to come back."

Dr. Margassery also hopes to bump into some aliens while she's there. "I'll ask them how they feel living there and some tips to survive on the planet. Maybe we'll get to learn something from them."

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