alternative perspective

Proponents of exploration see Mars as essential insurance for humanity. By becoming a multiplanetary species, we protect our collective knowledge and culture from extinction events on Earth. Furthermore, developing the technology to survive on Mars will teach us how to manage resources, recycle water, and grow food in barren soils back home.

controversy

Supporting arguments

A second planet secures human survival against global disasters.
Mars technologies can solve dry-land farming and recycling issues on Earth.
The challenge inspires innovation and unites nations in a shared goal.

Read the full exploration

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.

Continue exploring

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

Evidence, perspectives, rabbit holes, and more