scientific perspective

Astrobiologists urge caution. If Mars holds traces of ancient life, landing thousands of humans could contaminate the planet with Earthly microbes. This would ruin our chances of studying pristine Martian biosignatures. Science should come first, focusing on robotic exploration and careful sample returns before we build cities.

controversy

Supporting arguments

Human waste and breath introduce Earth bacteria.
Robots are cleaner and can explore deep caves.
Preserving Mars as a pristine scientific laboratory is invaluable.

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What else is in this exploration

3 evidence blocks2 visualizations2 insights6 media resources10 rabbit holes

evidence

Martian colonizers can grow certain cyanobacteria using local resources available on the planet.

evidence

Astronauts traveling to and from Mars would face a minimum radiation exposure of 0.66 sieverts.

evidence

Early Mars possessed an episodically warm surface with liquid water that carved valley networks.

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The Red Horizon: Can We Make Mars Our Second Home?

Evidence, perspectives, rabbit holes, and more