ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Austere Human Missions to Mars

Okay kiddo, let me explain what austere human missions to Mars means!

You know how we have a space station orbiting Earth where astronauts live for months at a time? An austere human mission to Mars is when humans go to Mars and live on the planet, just like the astronauts on the space station but even further away! But when we say "austere," it means that it will be different from living on Earth.

You see, Mars is a very harsh environment. There's no air or water like we have on Earth, and the temperatures are very cold. People who go on this mission will have to bring everything they need with them, including food, water, and oxygen. They'll have to find ways to generate power and to grow plants to make their own food.

Living on Mars will be very difficult, but it's also very exciting! Scientists want to explore Mars to learn more about the planet and how it formed. They want to know if there was ever life there or if there can be in the future.

So, an austere human mission to Mars is when people go to live on Mars, bringing everything they need with them to survive in a harsh and challenging environment. It's like an adventure into the unknown, with lots of opportunities for learning and discovery!