KQED's Forum Forum from the Archives: Can We Really Live On Mars?
Nov 25, 2025
Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, a sci-fi-loving scientist and a humorous cartoonist, dive into the serious challenges of colonizing Mars. They discuss the physiological risks for future Martian babies, the ethics of corporate-controlled settlements, and the psychological effects of living in isolation. The couple explores the fine line between exploration romance and the harsh realities of space life, emphasizing the need for proper governance and technology before taking off. With a mix of science and wit, they urge listeners to think critically about our cosmic ambitions.
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Space Is Hostile On Many Fronts
- Space environments impose multiple simultaneous hazards: radiation, extreme temperatures, thin/no atmosphere, and low gravity effects.
- These combine to produce unknown long-term risks like cancer, vision loss, infections, and bone/muscle degradation.
Data On Long-Term Space Effects Is Limited
- Most human time in space has been in low Earth orbit where Earth's magnetosphere still protects astronauts.
- We lack long-term data on deep-space radiation effects and on female bodies, since only ~13% of space travelers have been women.
Reproduction In Space Is Deeply Uncertain
- We lack evidence that pregnancy and multi-generation mammalian reproduction are safe in low or no gravity.
- Known problems include rapid bone loss (~1% hip density per month) and weakened muscles that complicate labor and recovery.
