Mars also has an atmosphere: how will this affect colonisation?

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How do we get there?

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How many people can fit on Mars?

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Human settlements on Mars: what will they look like?

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Radiation on Mars: the biggest threat to future colonists

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Martian Dust: The Invisible Enemy

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Daylight and time on Mars

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What about the food?

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Water: How do we get it and why is it crucial?

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Isolation: how do we cope with loneliness?

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The first colonies on Mars: what awaits us when we live on the red planet?

NASA and SpaceX plan to colonize Mars by 2030. Challenges include a thin atmosphere and a long journey.

Mars also has an atmosphere: how will this affect colonisation?

Mars' atmosphere is 100 times thinner than Earth's. The first colonies will need closed ecosystems to recycle air and water.

How do we get there?

SpaceX is developing Starship for 100 people. The propulsion will use oxygen and methane that can be obtained on Mars. Returns are key.

How many people can fit on Mars?

The first Martian colonies will be small, no more than 20 to 50 people. Musk's vision, however, aims for up to a million inhabitants.

Human settlements on Mars: what will they look like?

Colonies on Mars must be isolated because of the extreme conditions. Habitation modules can be inflatable or printed from regolith.

Radiation on Mars: the biggest threat to future colonists

Radiation levels on Mars are up to 50 times higher than on Earth. Scientists are considering protection by underground dwellings or regolith shields.

Martian Dust: The Invisible Enemy

Dust on Mars is fine, abrasive and electrostatically charged - it can damage technology and disrupt electronics. NASA is exploring protection.

Daylight and time on Mars

A day on Mars lasts 24 hours and 39 minutes, and sunlight is only 43% of Earth's intensity, which will affect plant cultivation.

What about the food?

In 2017, the first potato grew in simulated Martian soil. NASA is testing growing in Martian conditions. Astronauts are planning greenhouses.

Water: How do we get it and why is it crucial?

Without water, there is no life - even on Mars. Using water on site is the key to survival and return.

Isolation: how do we cope with loneliness?

The success of a mission can be determined not only by technique but also by psyche. Virtual reality and psychological support are key.