Cosmic comms: How the first humans on Mars will communicate with Earth
In order to establish a human colony on Mars, we’ll first need to get a reliable communications network built. Here’s how scientists are making that happen
Medicine on Mars: How we’ll keep astronauts healthy on the red planet
The first human visitors that reach Mars will face countless health risks, and when something goes wrong, there won’t be doctors around to help.
Castles made of sand: How we’ll make habitats with Martian soil
We can’t just bring a bunch of lumber and bricks to Mars and build a habitat when we arrive. Instead, NASA wants to make habitats with the red planet’s natural…
Power plants on other planets: How we’ll generate electricity on Mars
The first Mars explorers will need electricity to survive — but how do you generate power on a dusty planet where solar energy is in short supply?