This website is the product of a group project between six undergraduate physics students at the University of Sheffield. Within this project, we have been set the task of determining whether a mission to Mars by 2040 is feasible with a budget of $100bn. These parameters are the same timescale and budget for the High Speed Two, HS2, a new rail network linking London, Birmingham and many other cities across the country (HS2, 2020). This governmental project has been met with dividing opinions with many disagreeing with the use of money and resources for a new rail network. Therefore, the Hicks Think Tank at the University of Sheffield has proposed a crewed UK Mars mission at the same cost and on the same timescale as HS2. 

 

As part of this project, we have thought through various different issues-

What is needed to get to Mars? 

What are humans going to do on Mars and what is needed to assist this?

What supplies are needed for both crew and mission?

What is the best mission design?

What technology and equipment exist already and what needs to be developed and tested?

 

To explore these topics, research has been conducted into the mission DESIGN, EQUIPMENT, SAFETY, FINANCE, GOALS with respect to HS2 and TIMESCALE. The result of this project is that it is possible to finance a mission to Mars with $100bn and to achieve a human landing on Mars by 2040. This may seem ambitious, but through what is presented on this website we hope that you are able to see the possibilities available for space exploration in the near future.

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We hope that, through our research, you are able to gain a greater understanding of the complexities of a manned Mars mission and gain an idea of the timescale and budget necessary to realise this mission. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact us via the CONTACT US page. 

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• High Speed Two., (2020). Where We Go- Route Map [online]. High Speed Two. [Viewed 16 December 2020]. Available from: https://www.hs2.org.uk/where/route-map/#8/52.475/-1.878