Since space exploration began and the first discoveries about Mars were made, humanity has been preparing for the long-awaited trip to the red planet. The colonization of our cosmic neighbor is already an ongoing proposal, with the idea of establishing permanent human settlements on the planet.
However, the correct selection of individuals for colonization is essential, since the wrong choice can cost our species a lot.
Therefore, several studies and plans are being carried out to analyze the best personalities and profiles of potential travelers heading to Mars. The best ways to complete the journey are also researched.
Recently, a simulation carried out by researchers in the field sought precisely this: to understand which characteristics are most suitable in a human being for a colonization mission on Mars.
Study points to the right type of personality to colonize Mars
Photo: Supamotionstock/Shutterstock
A revolutionary study carried out by George Mason University in the United States has provided new information about an ideal number of initial colonists and how the different personality traits of these individuals can influence the success of a Martian colonization.
The study was based on simulations of colonies on Mars, using an agent-based model (ABM) to analyze human behavior in a simulated Mars environment. red planet.
The researchers considered several assumptions, including the local generation of resources such as energy, food, air and water, as well as the periodic delivery of supplies from Earth.
They also simulated the daily activities of potential settlers, such as extracting minerals and solving possible problems, as well as working hours and social interactions, following the research guidelines of the NASA about the skills needed for expeditions to Mars.
What were the best profiles for colonization, according to the simulation?
After a comprehensive analysis of more than two Earth decades, researchers concluded that the minimum number of colonists needed to establish a Cologne sustainable population on Mars is 22 individuals. This discovery has significant implications for future colonization missions.
One of the most interesting discoveries was the influence of colonists’ personalities on survival on Mars. The researchers categorized the fictional colonists into four distinct groups: agreeable, social, reactive, and neurotic.
Each of these groups has distinct characteristics, such as the social groups, which are those more likely to maintain contact with other individuals, and the reactive groups, which have a moderately competitive nature.
Surprisingly, colonists from the agreeable group, characterized by low competitiveness and aggressiveness, were found to be the most likely to survive on Mars.
On the other hand, neurotics, who are highly competitive and aggressive, performed unfavorably in the simulations, with a significantly higher mortality rate.
