Terraforming Mars Research Practice

Mars has shown signs of once having running water, but the possibility of atmosphere creation runs the risk of eradicating the planet entirely

The concept of making Mars inhabitable for humans is still nothing more than science fiction

Making Mars more Earth-like is a challenging task but may be achieved sooner than initially thought with the help of advanced technology

Mars is an option for human existence; however, scientists are against the idea due to destructive human nature

“Skeptics dismiss the goal as absurdly expensive and ethically misguided, given mankind’s propensity to scatter trash everywhere and the pressing need to put scarce financial resources into redressing the Earth’s many social ill” (Paragraph 5)

“Popular interest in the topic has soared, even though it is old stuff to science fiction authors and fans. Life magazine devoted a long article to the terraforming idea in May. Its cover carried a large photo of Mars surrounded by inky blackness, “Our Next Home” emblazoned above the photo. Radio talk shows are abuzz with the topic” (Paragraph 12)

“The process might take 100,000 years or more, experts estimate. But they say it would be worth the wait, especially if Mother Earth slid into a coma. Besides, some enthuse, with luck, the initial greening of Mars might progress substantially in just a few centuries, paving the way for colonies of humans (wearing special breathing gear) in the not-so-distant future.” (Paragraph 9)

“Even so, geological formations indicate that free-running water once coursed across the planet’s surface, suggesting that conditions once might have been felicitous for life and in the future, may become so again” (Paragraph 22)

Threatened with extinction

Strong and vigorous

Originating in a particular place

Possessing higher mental capacity

“Harsh conditions”

“Small colonies”

“Natural protection”

“Native habitats”

Landers and rovers are routinely being sent to Mars to investigate if there is any native life on Mars.

The danger of bacterial contamination from Earth could make it difficult to determine whether there is native life on Mars.

It is almost impossible for any life to survive on the surface of Mars.

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty guarantees that Mars should not be terraformed in any way.

“It would seem prudent to try to protect Mars as much as we can”

“It would complicate the search for life there”

“It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to survive on the Martian surface”

“All spacecraft going to the Moon or Mars should be sterilized as much as possible”

Being prepared to die out of sportsmanship is the main criterion for those looking to relocate to Mars in the near future.

Moving to Mars is the priority, and investigation is the first step in creating a human atmosphere

Being able to move heavy spacecraft to Mars is the first step in creating a new civilization

Investigating the possibility of life on Mars is more about finding another potential planet and adventure than moving people to Mars.

“While there will undoubtedly be intense competition and lots of fanfare over the first few seats on a Mars-bound mission, Musk worries that too much emphasis will be placed on those early bootprints.” (Paragraph 15)

“In short, Musk thinks it’s possible to begin shuttling thousands of people between Earth and our smaller, redder neighbor sometime within the next decade or so. And not too long after that—perhaps 40 or a hundred years later, Mars could be home to a self-sustaining colony of a million people.” (Paragraph 3)

“In short, his vision for establishing a settlement on Mars is more an endurance sport than a sprint.” (Paragraph 17)

“This is not about everyone moving to Mars; this is about becoming multi-planetary,” he said on September 27 at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico. “This is really about minimizing existential risk and having a tremendous sense of adventure.” (Paragraph 4)