Scientists are planning to build a human colony on Mars with huge spacecraft, life-sustaining methods, and more as part of the mission. Elon Musk hopes to send people to the red planet aboard the Starship, SpaceX's mega venture that has conducted six tests till now and is planning on having more.

But can humans really survive on Mars? Can all the technology in the world protect them from the intense radiation and the harsh environment? Housing and appropriate breathing spaces are going to be a challenge when humans actually land on Mars. Musk wants to do it soon, while NASA doesn't think that can happen before the end of the next decade.

But the problems don't end there. Scientists are worried that living on Mars can alter the human body in unimaginable ways.&nbsp;

Dr. Scott Solomon, a biologist, believes that the human body will undergo evolutionary changes if people start living on Mars. In his 2016 book, Future Humans: Inside the Science of Our Continuing Evolution, he describes what future humans who descend from those who settled on the red planet might look like. His picture appears to be similar to what we have long thought aliens to look like - green and frail.

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<h2>Problem with living on Mars</h2>

This is because Mars is smaller than Earth, and it has 38 per cent less gravity. There is no magnetic field and no ozone layer. In such a scenario, cosmic rays and space radiation constantly bombard it. Solomon says humans would be forced to adapt to these conditions and might acquire a new colour. "Perhaps in the face of this high radiation, we might evolve some new type of skin pigment to help us deal with that radiation...Maybe we get our own green men," he says.

He says such humans can develop green skin because of mutations and have weak vision, brittle bones, and reduced muscle strength.&nbsp;

The biologist believes that humans will become nearsighted because they will be living in small enclaves. A lower level of gravity would weaken the muscles and the bones. NASA knows about the effect space can have on the human body, and has been trying to tackle the problem in order to send people to the Moon and Mars. Travelling or living in space for a long time can lead astronauts to develop osteoporosis.

However, the problem is still a distant issue since experts don't think that the initial humans would be able to survive long enough on Mars to have children. This includes Musk, who has already said that there is a "good chance you’ll die".

Scientists are planning to build a human colony on Mars with huge spacecraft, life-sustaining methods, and more as part of the mission. Elon Musk hopes to send people to the red planet aboard the Starship, SpaceX's mega venture that has conducted six tests till now and is planning on having more.

Scientists are planning to build a human colony on Mars with huge spacecraft, life-sustaining methods, and more as part of the mission. Elon Musk hopes to send people to the red planet aboard the Starship, SpaceX's mega venture that has conducted six tests till now and is planning on having more. But can humans really survive on Mars? Can all the technology in the world protect them from the intense radiation and the harsh environment? Housing and appropriate breathing spaces are going to be a challenge when humans actually land on Mars. Musk wants to do it soon, while NASA doesn't think that can happen before the end of the next decade. But the problems don't end there. Scientists are worried that living on Mars can alter the human body in unimaginable ways. Dr. Scott Solomon, a biologist, believes that the human body will undergo evolutionary changes if people start living on Mars. In his 2016 book, Future Humans: Inside the Science of Our Continuing Evolution, he describes what future humans who descend from those who settled on the red planet might look like. His picture appears to be similar to what we have long thought aliens to look like - green and frail. Also Read: The three-word message about nukes aliens are sending us, as per an ex-US army official Problem with living on Mars This is because Mars is smaller than Earth, and it has 38 per cent less gravity. There is no magnetic field and no ozone layer. In such a scenario, cosmic rays and space radiation constantly bombard it. Solomon says humans would be forced to adapt to these conditions and might acquire a new colour. "Perhaps in the face of this high radiation, we might evolve some new type of skin pigment to help us deal with that radiation...Maybe we get our own green men," he says. He says such humans can develop green skin because of mutations and have weak vision, brittle bones, and reduced muscle strength. The biologist believes that humans will become nearsighted because they will be living in small enclaves. A lower level of gravity would weaken the muscles and the bones. NASA knows about the effect space can have on the human body, and has been trying to tackle the problem in order to send people to the Moon and Mars. Travelling or living in space for a long time can lead astronauts to develop osteoporosis. However, the problem is still a distant issue since experts don't think that the initial humans would be able to survive long enough on Mars to have children. This includes Musk, who has already said that there is a "good chance you’ll die".

Mars might turn humans into 'green' little beings, as per a biologist

Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have found a way to generate power on Mars in the future using thermoelectric generators. They conducted a study which shows that thermoelectric generators operating under modest temperature differences can help CO2 conversion.

The findings have led them to believe that temperature differentials in different environments can help convert CO2 to different types of useful fuels and chemicals.

The paper has been published in the journal Device.

They are particularly intrigued by the possibility of its application in the cold environment of Mars where CO2 is present in abundance in the red planet's atmosphere.

“The environment on Mars really got me interested in the long-term potential of this technology combination,” said Dr Abhishek Soni, a postdoctoral research fellow at UBC and first author of the study.

“This is a harsh environment where large temperature differences could be leveraged to not only generate power with thermoelectric generators but to convert the abundant CO2 in Mars’ atmosphere into useful products that could supply a colony.”

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The researchers attached the generators to two different temperatures and found that when the difference between the two faces was at least 40 degrees Celsius, enough steady current was released to power an electrolyser that converts CO2 to CO.

<h2>Colonising Mars</h2>

On Mars, the process becomes a bit more challenging. The Martian atmosphere comprises 95 per cent carbon dioxide. Temperatures on the red planet range from 20 degrees C to -153 degrees C.

A biodome would need to be created on Mars and maintained at room temperature. Thermoelectric generators placed on the dome’s surface will use the difference between indoor temperatures and the frigid outside temperatures to generate power. This power can drive CO2 conversion into other carbon-based products, such as fuels and chemicals.&nbsp;

The researchers are excited by the various possibilities this technology can lead to.&nbsp;

“This paper shows a fun way to make carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals,” Professor Curtis P. Berlinguette, principal investigator at UBC, said. It can help create plastic that might be needed on Mars one day, and "this technology shows one way we can make it there," he said.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have found a way to generate power on Mars in the future using thermoelectric generators. They conducted a study which shows that thermoelectric generators operating under modest temperature differences can help CO2 conversion.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have found a way to generate power on Mars in the future using thermoelectric generators. They conducted a study which shows that thermoelectric generators operating under modest temperature differences can help CO2 conversion. The findings have led them to believe that temperature differentials in different environments can help convert CO2 to different types of useful fuels and chemicals. The paper has been published in the journal Device. They are particularly intrigued by the possibility of its application in the cold environment of Mars where CO2 is present in abundance in the red planet's atmosphere. “The environment on Mars really got me interested in the long-term potential of this technology combination,” said Dr Abhishek Soni, a postdoctoral research fellow at UBC and first author of the study. “This is a harsh environment where large temperature differences could be leveraged to not only generate power with thermoelectric generators but to convert the abundant CO2 in Mars’ atmosphere into useful products that could supply a colony.” Also Read: Uranus not a hot mess: A mistimed encounter between Voyager 2 in 1986 messed up data The researchers attached the generators to two different temperatures and found that when the difference between the two faces was at least 40 degrees Celsius, enough steady current was released to power an electrolyser that converts CO2 to CO. Colonising Mars On Mars, the process becomes a bit more challenging. The Martian atmosphere comprises 95 per cent carbon dioxide. Temperatures on the red planet range from 20 degrees C to -153 degrees C. A biodome would need to be created on Mars and maintained at room temperature. Thermoelectric generators placed on the dome’s surface will use the difference between indoor temperatures and the frigid outside temperatures to generate power. This power can drive CO2 conversion into other carbon-based products, such as fuels and chemicals. The researchers are excited by the various possibilities this technology can lead to. “This paper shows a fun way to make carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals,” Professor Curtis P. Berlinguette, principal investigator at UBC, said. It can help create plastic that might be needed on Mars one day, and "this technology shows one way we can make it there," he said.

Mars is full of CO2. Scientists want to make fuel and plastic out of it

Humans are trying to reach Mars, but a trip on board a spacecraft will cost a lot of money and time, besides tackling several other logistical matters, such as how to battle harmful levels of radiation. Researchers from Ukraine have come up with an innovative way to travel to the red planet - hitchhike your way to a planet on an asteroid.

Asteroids zoom past several planets in the universe and the scientists see it as a solution the cosmos already presents to humans who wish to travel between planets. So why not hop on them to reach Mars?&nbsp;

A trip to Mars will have a huge effect on the physical health of astronauts. It is around 225 million km away from Earth and a journey to and fro will take about three years. This means prolonged exposure to radiation and microgravity, leading to loss of muscles and bone density. Returning to Earth’s gravity will likely become impossible and heart issues are also likely to crop up.&nbsp;

AS Kasianchuk and VM Reshetnyk from the National University of Kyiv in Ukraine, authors of the paper, analysed the orbit of more than 35,000 near-Earth asteroids to understand the possibility of making successive approaches to pairs of planets Earth–Venus and Earth-Mars within a time range of 2020 to 2120.&nbsp;

They say asteroids can be used as interplanetary busses which will prove to be a much faster mode of transport between the planets. The researchers estimate the trips might even be completed within as soon as 180 days.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/life-might-have-been-floating-freely-in-universe-all-this-time-while-humans-look-towards-planets-771590">Life might have been floating freely in universe all this time while humans look towards planets</a>

<h2>Several asteroids have been shortlisted</h2>

They have zeroed in on 120 candidates for Earth-Mars, Earth-Venus, Mars-Earth, Venus-Earth, and even Mars-Venus and Venus-Mars trips.

If the idea works out, it cancels out the need for creating a spacecraft to carry humans to other planers. However, a technological solution would still be needed to protect one against radiation.

The list of asteroids that can potentially help with planet-hopping will only grow since near-Earth objects are regularly discovered. NASA’s NEO Surveyor mission will prove to be of crucial help in this area as it is working to find more than 90 per cent of all &nbsp;NEOs larger than 140 metres in diameter.&nbsp;

Experts believe the right asteroid can prove extremely useful in the cosmic journey. Astronauts can possibly use it as a fuel station and seek shelter under features like caves to shield themselves from radiation.

Humans are trying to reach Mars, but a trip on board a spacecraft will cost a lot of money and time, besides tackling several other logistical matters, such as how to battle harmful levels of radiation.

Humans are trying to reach Mars, but a trip on board a spacecraft will cost a lot of money and time, besides tackling several other logistical matters, such as how to battle harmful levels of radiation. Researchers from Ukraine have come up with an innovative way to travel to the red planet - hitchhike your way to a planet on an asteroid. Asteroids zoom past several planets in the universe and the scientists see it as a solution the cosmos already presents to humans who wish to travel between planets. So why not hop on them to reach Mars? A trip to Mars will have a huge effect on the physical health of astronauts. It is around 225 million km away from Earth and a journey to and fro will take about three years. This means prolonged exposure to radiation and microgravity, leading to loss of muscles and bone density. Returning to Earth’s gravity will likely become impossible and heart issues are also likely to crop up. AS Kasianchuk and VM Reshetnyk from the National University of Kyiv in Ukraine, authors of the paper, analysed the orbit of more than 35,000 near-Earth asteroids to understand the possibility of making successive approaches to pairs of planets Earth–Venus and Earth-Mars within a time range of 2020 to 2120. They say asteroids can be used as interplanetary busses which will prove to be a much faster mode of transport between the planets. The researchers estimate the trips might even be completed within as soon as 180 days. Also Read: Life might have been floating freely in universe all this time while humans look towards planets Several asteroids have been shortlisted They have zeroed in on 120 candidates for Earth-Mars, Earth-Venus, Mars-Earth, Venus-Earth, and even Mars-Venus and Venus-Mars trips. If the idea works out, it cancels out the need for creating a spacecraft to carry humans to other planers. However, a technological solution would still be needed to protect one against radiation. The list of asteroids that can potentially help with planet-hopping will only grow since near-Earth objects are regularly discovered. NASA’s NEO Surveyor mission will prove to be of crucial help in this area as it is working to find more than 90 per cent of all NEOs larger than 140 metres in diameter. Experts believe the right asteroid can prove extremely useful in the cosmic journey. Astronauts can possibly use it as a fuel station and seek shelter under features like caves to shield themselves from radiation.

Asteroids can take humans to other planets. 'Like an interplanetary bus...'

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly.

The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars.&nbsp;

However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars.&nbsp;

This is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient.

Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space.

NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?"

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-are-on-a-mission-to-find-15-million-year-old-ice-oldest-in-the-world-762792">Scientists are on a mission to find 1.5-million-year-old ice, oldest in the world</a>

The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay.&nbsp;

Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites.

Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions.&nbsp;

He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job.&nbsp;

As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028.&nbsp;

NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars.&nbsp;

Similar mushroom structures will be used to build&nbsp;on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely.&nbsp;

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly. The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments.

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly. The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars. However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars. This is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient. Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space. NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?" Also Read: Scientists are on a mission to find 1.5-million-year-old ice, oldest in the world The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay. Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites. Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions. He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job. As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028. NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars. Similar mushroom structures will be used to build on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely.

NASA wants to 'grow' fungus and algae houses on Moon for astronauts

NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars.

Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars

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"NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission.

"With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained.&nbsp;

The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts.

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Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems.

The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever".

Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-and-exciting-find-international-team-of-researchers-discover-8kg-meteorite-in-antarctica-555001">'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica</a>

"Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson.

The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars.

NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars. Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027. Watch | NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars "NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission. "With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained. The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts. Also read | India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems. The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever". Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back. Also read | 'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica "Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson. The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA to test 'DRACO', a nuclear power rocket engine that'll send humans to Mars ‘faster than ever'

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Mars might turn humans into 'green' little beings, as per a biologist

Mars is full of CO2. Scientists want to make fuel and plastic out of it

Asteroids can take humans to other planets. 'Like an interplanetary bus...'

NASA wants to 'grow' fungus and algae houses on Moon for astronauts

NASA to test 'DRACO', a nuclear power rocket engine that'll send humans to Mars ‘faster than ever'