PBS Space Time Season 2015 Episode 14 Should the First Mars Mission Be All Women?

Should the First Mars Mission Be All Women? is the 14th episode of the 2015 season of PBS Space Time. In this episode, the show explores the idea of sending an all-female crew on the first mission to Mars. The episode begins by discussing the history of women in space exploration, highlighting the accomplishments of female astronauts such as Sally Ride and Valentina Tereshkova.

The host of the show, Matt O’Dowd, then delves into the scientific reasons why an all-female crew might be advantageous for a Mars mission. One argument is that women tend to have greater resistance to radiation, which is a major concern for long-term space travel. Additionally, women are typically smaller and lighter than men, which would require less fuel to transport them to Mars. They also tend to require less food and water than men, which would make the mission more efficient in terms of supplies.

However, the episode also explores some of the potential challenges and criticisms of an all-female Mars mission. One concern is that women tend to have higher rates of osteoporosis and muscle atrophy than men, which could be exacerbated by the effects of microgravity. Additionally, the psychological effects of being in a confined space for years at a time could be difficult for any crew, regardless of gender.

Throughout the episode, O’Dowd speaks with a variety of experts in space exploration, including female astronauts and scientists. They offer their insights on the topic, sharing their experiences working in a male-dominated field and discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of an all-female Mars mission.

Overall, Should the First Mars Mission Be All Women? is a thought-provoking exploration of gender and space exploration. It raises important questions about equality in space travel and the potential advantages of sending a diverse crew on a mission to Mars. The episode is presented in PBS Space Time’s signature accessible and engaging style, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of space exploration.