Today, Explained Sailing a boat on an alien sea
Mar 11, 2019
Ellen Stofan, former chief scientist of NASA and current director of the National Air and Space Museum, dives into the future of space exploration. She discusses the critical role of water in Mars missions and the quest for extraterrestrial life. Stofan highlights NASA's plans beyond Mars, including potential human missions. She also contrasts public and private space initiatives, notably their combined impact on the landscape of exploration. Expect visions of innovative technologies like submarines on Titan, further fueling the excitement for what's out there in the universe.
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Following the Water on Mars
- NASA's Mars missions follow a "follow the water" strategy, seeking signs of ancient life.
- They believe that life likely evolved on Mars but went extinct or underground due to changing conditions.
Microbial Life on Mars
- NASA seeks evidence of microbial life on Mars, like single-cell algae.
- Studying this life could offer insights into life on Earth, viruses, and bacteria.
Timeline and Origin of Life on Mars
- Life on Mars may have predated Earth's, with possible material exchange between planets.
- If Martian life differs significantly from Earth's, it suggests a second origin of life.