Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about space travel.– Mary Ames, Director of Strategy

THE BIG TAKE

Can Humans Survive Mars?

Can humans survive the mission to Mars? That question has been on the minds of our leading minds for some time now, and it’s explored in a fantastic new article in the New York Times. The piece focuses on the intense and transformative journey of several individuals selected for a Mars simulation mission on Earth called CHAPEA. The stories of these brave participants encapsulate the myriad sacrifices and existential dilemmas faced by potential space explorers. We are still determining if humans can endure the emotional and psychological challenges of committing to such an unprecedented venture to the edge of our solar system. 

The final frontier. The psychological resilience and adaptability required for long-duration space missions is something we’ve never really had to face as a species. The article delves into the intricate balance between professional ambition and personal sacrifice needed for potential space explorers to the Red Planet. This exploration underscores the critical importance of mental and emotional fortitude in the success of future space exploration endeavors.

Expanding horizons. What does all this mean for future space missions? For one thing, the involvement of nations with emerging space programs signifies a global shift towards a more inclusive and diverse approach to space exploration. This suggests a future where space missions are not only the domain of traditional spacefaring nations but a collaborative international effort. The inclusion of countries like the UAE could bring fresh perspectives, resources, and innovation to the table, potentially accelerating humanity's progress towards becoming a multi-planetary species and fostering a sense of shared destiny and cooperation in the face of the daunting challenges of interplanetary travel.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The art of conversation lies in listening.”

–Malcolm Forbes, former US senator

CHART OF THE WEEK

This week, we are thinking about microchips. With Nvidia booming, China is quietly focusing inward on domestic chip fabrication.  

SPOTTED ELSEWHERE

AI and energy. Tech companies are using a lot of natural resources. The increasing use of water to cool their data centers, driven by the demand for generative AI, raises alarms about the environmental toll, particularly concerning freshwater scarcity. The Financial Times covers the story in detail this week. As the AI race heats up, the substantial water consumption for cooling vast server farms brings to light the hidden ecological costs of our digital advancements. Calls for greater transparency and efficiency are growing, as the industry's water use, akin to "drinking" a bottle of water with every few AI interactions, underscores the urgent need to reconcile technological innovation with sustainable practices.

Going deep. Ever thought about going caving? Most of us haven’t but some are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the depths of the Earth. Diving into the depths of one of Earth's most profound underwater caves, two explorers are on the brink of exploring the uncharted. Their expedition, profiled in MIT Tech Review this month, is fueled by a quest to test the boundaries of human endurance and the potential of breathing hydrogen underwater. At the heart of their journey lay a larger quest: to unravel the mysteries of deep-sea exploration and push the limits of human capability, a pursuit that connects a tight-knit community of adventurers and scientists dedicated to exploring the final frontiers on Earth.

QUICK HITS

• How AI is transforming air travel. 

• There’s a 28,000mAh battery with a phone in it.

• How to talk to whales.

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