How We'll Live on Mars

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It may sound like science fiction, but Stephen Petranek argues that within twenty years, humans will inhabit Mars, and we need to. This book blends business, science, and human reporting to present living on Mars as a crucial backup plan for humanity, detailing how it will unfold. The competition is fierce, with private companies led by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Sir Richard Branson, as well as initiatives like Mars One, NASA, and the Chinese government, all vying to establish a human presence on the planet. The rationale for this endeavor is compelling: Mars holds life-saving potential for Earth as we face dwindling water supplies, climate change, and various global threats. To survive, we must evolve into a space-faring species. The technology to transport humans to Mars and make it habitable exists, though terraforming the planet could take up to 300 years. However, specially designed habitats could allow us to live there within two decades. Petranek introduces a cast of characters involved in this race to settle the Red Planet, combining firsthand reporting, interviews, and extensive research to explore the possibility of life on Mars in the near future.