Top 10: What is one thing you would pack for a trip to Mars?
From oxygen cylinders to energy drinks, young explorers mix adventure with their favourite hobbies for a cosmic journey
Mars is the fourth planet from our sun. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: “If you could design your own magical house, what special features would it have and why? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, March 26.
Ankie Lau Hau-ching, 15, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School: For my trip to Mars, I would like to pack a camera since I have never been there before. I would like to take photos of Mars and its surroundings, as it would be an unforgettable experience.
Panda Lam Ho-kwan, 16, Cumberland Presbyterian Church Yao Dao Secondary School: I would bring an oxygen cylinder because oxygen is essential for survival on Mars, a planet with a thin atmosphere. I could use it to sustain my life in case of difficulties during the trip.
Andy Yiu Chi-hang, 13, King Ling College: I would bring an oxygen generator, similar to Nasa’s MOXIE, which converts Mars’ carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere into breathable oxygen. This technology ensures that fuel is available for rockets and reduces the overall weight of the payload. It is both versatile and essential, addressing immediate human needs while also supporting long-term mission logistics. Therefore, it is indispensable for sustaining life on Mars.
Ying Lai-an, 16, PLK Mrs Ma Kam Ming – Cheung Fook Sien College: I am a skater girl, and I always pack my favourite skateboard. I have many images of Mars on my skateboard. The uneven terrain on Mars would be ideal for skateboarding. People who have passion and determination can keep their original intentions alive, no matter where they are.
Elly Wong Ka-po, 16, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School: I would bring a camera with me because I want to capture this unforgettable moment when I land on Mars. Additionally, I enjoy taking photos of the fascinating universe. If I’m lucky, I might even be able to take pictures with my alien friends to celebrate our first encounter.
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Charis Chan, 15, Malvern College Hong Kong: I would bring energy drinks stored in the largest bottles I can find. Since there won’t be any food available, I would definitely need drinks that can keep me alive and provide a certain level of energy.
Nathan Lo Ting-yee, 13, Pui Kiu College: I would bring a portable, foldable telescope because Mars provides an incredible opportunity to observe the cosmos from a new perspective. Imagine setting up a telescope on Mars while gazing at Earth or distant galaxies without the interference of Earth’s atmosphere.
Esther Wong Yuet, 15, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College: I would bring mosquito spray. Although there are no living cells on Mars, I am really scared of insects and animals that move rapidly. Additionally, mosquito spray is toxic, which can help protect me and keep me safe on Mars.
Lui Wing-kiu, 14, Pope Paul VI College: I plan to pack my phone because I would want to take a lot of photos and selfies. Another reason for bringing my phone is that I can FaceTime with my family and friends, so they can experience the reality of life on Mars with me.
Abby Ng, 16, Cumberland Presbyterian Church Yao Dao Secondary School: I would pack research tools for a trip to Mars. To satisfy my curiosity about the universe, these tools would be used to collect samples and data about the environment. As a planet that has yet to be explored by humans, the exploration of Mars would be a groundbreaking achievement, leading to a deeper understanding of our world.