Skip to main content

The first humans on Mars

785,343 Views

2,821 Questions Answered

Best of Web

Let’s Begin…

Elon Musk’s SpaceX program proposes that 100 people could be sent to colonize Mars within 10 years. What might that colony look like? PBS Space Time breaks down the challenges that the first humans on Mars would face and how they could overcome them.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Watch these recommended TED-Ed Lessons

Could we survive prolonged space travel?

Prolonged space travel plays a severe toll on the human body: microgravity impairs muscle and bone growth, and high doses of radiation cause irreversible mutations. As we seriously consider the human species becoming space-faring, a big question stands: even if we do break free from Earth’s orbit, can we adapt to the extreme environments of space? Lisa Nip examines our odds.

Why is NASA sending a spacecraft to a metal world?

In 2026, an unmanned NASA spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at 16 Psyche, a massive, metallic asteroid floating somewhere between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Why is NASA so interested in this heavy metal asteroid? Are we going to mine all that metal, or build a giant space magnet? Linda T. Elkins-Tanton explains how the real answer can be found right under our feet.


Additional references


Here's Elon Musk's complete, sweeping vision on colonizing Mars to save humanity - Business Insider

SpaceX founder and billionaire Elon Musk wants to launch a million people to Mars in hopes of saving humanity from certain doom . Musk presented his sweeping vision at the 67th International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, during a roughly 63-minute speech.

NASA backs designs for 3D-printed homes on Mars - CNN

Research and architecture studio AI Space Factory has designed a 3D-printed house for the surface of Mars -- and it looks like a beehive. Dubbed the Marsha Project, the vertical dwelling was dreamt up for NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, and has been endorsed by the agency.


Next Section »

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

More from The World's People and Places