Produced by: Manoj Kumar
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?
Scientists warn that reproduction on Mars might be nearly impossible, with gravity and radiation posing serious risks to conception and healthy development.
Bioscientist Kelly Weinersmith argues that Musk’s plan overlooks biological hurdles, suggesting space colonization needs more than engineering prowess.
Mars lacks an atmosphere like Earth’s, exposing inhabitants to harmful radiation—potentially dangerous for embryos and human DNA alike.
Mars’ lower gravity could hamper embryonic development and sperm motility, presenting significant obstacles to reproduction and physical health.
Even if humans conceive on Mars, scientists question the ethics and feasibility of raising children in such a hostile environment.
A sustainable Martian population requires genetic diversity, possibly managed by AI-matching for optimal genetic health, raising complex ethical questions.
Astrobiologists express concern over unstudied effects of space and gravity on long-term human development—from conception to adulthood.
Musk’s ultimate goal is to make humanity a multiplanetary species, seeing Mars as a safeguard against existential threats on Earth.