Can you really survive on Mars? What science fiction gets wrong about off-world living

The idea of humans living on Mars and in space has long been a staple of science fiction, but as NASA and private companies like SpaceX and Boeing work towards making it a reality, the challenges and risks are becoming increasingly apparent. One of the biggest hurdles is the harsh environment of space itself. Radiation, extreme temperatures, and lack of gravity can all take a toll on the human body, and scientists are still working to understand the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. NASA's struggles with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft are a case in point. The spacecraft's botched flight last year, which left two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station for over nine months, has been described as a "Type A mishap" by NASA officials. Administrator Jared Isaacman has blasted Boeing and NASA managers for poor leadership and decision-making, saying that the problems must be better understood and addressed in order to move forward. But it's not just the technical challenges that are a concern. As SpaceX's rockets reenter the Earth's atmosphere, they release pollutants into the air, which can have negative impacts on the environment and human health. Scientists have recently made the first-ever real-time measurements of air pollution from a reentering SpaceX rocket, and the results are a reminder of the need for sustainable and responsible space travel practices. So, can humans survive on Mars and in space? The answer is still a resounding maybe. While scientists and engineers are making progress in understanding the challenges of space travel, there is still much to be learned and overcome. For example, a recent study found that the Martian atmosphere is not as hospitable as previously thought, with temperatures and pressures that are even more extreme than expected. And while SpaceX's Starship program is designed to take both people and cargo to the Red Planet, the company still has to overcome significant technical hurdles before it can make the journey safely. Despite these challenges, there is still a sense of optimism and excitement about the future of space travel. As scientists and engineers work to overcome the technical and environmental challenges, there is a growing sense that humans may one day be able to survive and even thrive on Mars and in space. In fact, NASA is already planning for a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s, and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are working towards establishing a human presence on the Moon and Mars in the near future. But for now, the question of whether humans can survive on Mars and in space remains a pressing concern, and one that will require significant advances in technology, engineering, and our understanding of the human body. Sources: * "Can you really survive on Mars? What science fiction gets wrong about off-world living" (Space.com) * "'We almost did have a really terrible day.' NASA now says Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut flight was a 'Type A mishap'" (Space.com) * "Scientists measure air pollution from reentering SpaceX rocket in real-time: 'It's never been done before'" (Space.com) * "NASA boss blasts Boeing and space agency managers for Starliner's botched astronaut flight" (Science X) * "Jason Momoa will be serving out cups of Liber-Tea as he joins the 'Helldivers' movie" (Space.com)