'Sorry, Elon Musk': Researchers warns Mars is no place for baby boom

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Martian Migration

[{"selector":"#anim-185baea1-cc7d-4c9a-b8ef-2d0106cc350c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.244791571064674%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Elon Musk envisions a thriving colony of one million on Mars by 2050, driven by SpaceX’s Starship. But is Mars a viable home for humanity?

Sex on Mars

[{"selector":"#anim-24e2ef72-a8c6-4d71-9bcc-7ce4bdd67578 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(5.185047683033339%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Scientists warn that reproduction on Mars might be nearly impossible, with gravity and radiation posing serious risks to conception and healthy development.

Biology vs. Engineering

[{"selector":"#anim-2332721e-7c65-49a6-a68e-352b8011b677 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(55.22703129498142%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Bioscientist Kelly Weinersmith argues that Musk’s plan overlooks biological hurdles, suggesting space colonization needs more than engineering prowess.

Radiation Risks

[{"selector":"#anim-3ed8cc28-2a40-4a3f-bda4-3b750c6c7de5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Mars lacks an atmosphere like Earth’s, exposing inhabitants to harmful radiation—potentially dangerous for embryos and human DNA alike.

Gravity’s Effects

[{"selector":"#anim-b2af7fa5-89ab-453e-90ed-579eaf4ed5eb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-41.32998503435721%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Mars’ lower gravity could hamper embryonic development and sperm motility, presenting significant obstacles to reproduction and physical health.

Children of Mars

[{"selector":"#anim-2570a0b7-ebbe-49f9-8798-5e4d13d4f443 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(12.399553576686467%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Even if humans conceive on Mars, scientists question the ethics and feasibility of raising children in such a hostile environment.

Genetic Diversity

[{"selector":"#anim-e97b4913-c7d2-48d2-b951-7f92f1f51ed2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-20.963684166746894%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A sustainable Martian population requires genetic diversity, possibly managed by AI-matching for optimal genetic health, raising complex ethical questions.

Sexual Unknowns

[{"selector":"#anim-177a286d-e81b-4983-8b10-82ae710b18f2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(44.04833434450827%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Astrobiologists express concern over unstudied effects of space and gravity on long-term human development—from conception to adulthood.

A Multiplanetary Dream

Musk’s ultimate goal is to make humanity a multiplanetary species, seeing Mars as a safeguard against existential threats on Earth.

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