For decades, Mars has fascinated scientists, sci fi writers and fans, and dreamers alike. But could humans actually live there? The short answer is… possibly, but it would be extremely difficult. I’ve written about my love of space before and my (sort of) obsession with the Artemis missions of NASA so this is a subject near and dear to my heart about which I’ve done a ton of reading so I’m taking you along for the ride with what I’ve learned over the years. Why Mars? Mars is the most realistic planet for human exploration for a few reasons. First, a Martian day is about 24.6 hours, similar to Earth’s. Additionally, Mars has seasons, sort of like we do. It’s relatively close, at least compared to other planets in our solar system. And finally, there is water ice beneath the surface.
So while possible, as stated above, living on Mars would be extremely difficult for a variety of reasons. Here are the primary reasons. First, there’s no breathable air. Mars’ atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide and far too thin to support human life. Astronauts would need pressurized habitats and oxygen systems. The temperatures are NOT fit for humans. The average temperature is about –80°F (–60°C), so homes would need strong heating and insulation. The radiation would kill us without protection. Mars lacks Earth’s protective magnetic field, exposing humans to harmful space radiation. Living underground or under thick layers of soil might be necessary. There’s incredibly low gravity. Mars has only 38% of Earth’s gravity, which could weaken muscles and bones over time — similar to what astronauts experience on the International Space Station. And finally, cultivation of food and water would be incredibly labor intensive and time consuming. Future settlers would need to grow food, recycle water, and possibly extract water from underground ice to survive long-term.
What would like actually look like? In simple terms, NOTHING like our lives here on Earth. And harsh, hard, lonely, and full of discomfort and toil. Early Mars settlements would likely look more like research stations than cities. Communication with Earth could take up to 20 minutes one way, making astronauts feel isolated. So as posited at the beginning of the article, is it possible? Yes, but only with advanced technology, major funding, and years of preparation. Humans might land on Mars in the next few decades, but building a permanent colony would take much longer. Living on Mars would be one of humanity’s greatest challenges, and achievements. A better question for each person to ask herself or himself, is it worth it for me? Am I willing to live under the conditions listed above to be a Mars pioneers? Would I want to be one of the first to go?