What Do We Give Up and Leave Behind?

Nearly all habitability studies to date focus on defining what are the absolute minimum requirements to sustain human life, health (physical-only), and well-being. This inquiry asks the converse question in the negative: what will happen when a crew must give up so many of the familiar things, comforts, and personal associations that they take for granted? This essay begins with a review of minimalist humans to Mars mission concepts and their limitations. It applies the Crew Safety-Human Factors Interaction Model’s criteria for Critical Habitability. The analysis presents five examples of what the Mars crewmembers must give up and leave behind. It illustrates them through classical and impressionist paintings and other images: restricted diet, constant confinement, disconnection from the natural world, no separation of work and social life, no family life, and repetitive tasks.