The Exploration and Colonization of Mars: Why Mars? Why Humans? | Dr. Joel Levine | TEDxRVA

Recent questions

• Why is Tijana Mihajlović passionate about Mars?

  Tijana Mihajlović's passion for Mars began at a young age when she received a telescope from her grandmother in Brooklyn, New York. This sparked her interest in the red planet, leading her to work at NASA for 41 years and become a major contributor to the agency's plan for human exploration of Mars. Her dedication to understanding Mars' history and the search for past or present life on the planet drove her to present over 500 presentations worldwide, emphasizing the scientific rationale behind exploring Mars.

• What is the significance of sending humans to Mars according to Tijana Mihajlović?

  Tijana Mihajlović highlights the importance of sending humans to Mars due to their adaptability and mobility compared to robotic missions. She believes that humans can better navigate the challenges of Mars and conduct more in-depth research than robotic explorers. Tijana's emphasis on human exploration stems from her belief that mobility is crucial on Mars, as demonstrated by NASA's Mars rover completing a marathon in 11 years. By sending humans to Mars, Tijana envisions a future where we can unlock the mysteries of the red planet and potentially establish a human presence.

• What are the potential threats to humanity that Tijana Mihajlović discusses?

  Tijana Mihajlović discusses various threats to humanity on Earth, including climate change, synthetic biology experiments, and cosmic impacts. She raises awareness about the dangers posed by these factors and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to mitigate their impact on our planet. Tijana's insights underscore the importance of addressing these threats to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of humanity.

• How does Tijana Mihajlović propose making Mars habitable?

  Tijana Mihajlović speculates on terraforming Mars to make it habitable for human life. Her proposed methods include releasing greenhouse gases, planting photosynthetic plants, and creating an ozone layer on the planet. By altering Mars' atmosphere and surface conditions, Tijana envisions a future where humans can potentially inhabit and thrive on the red planet. Her innovative ideas highlight the potential for transforming Mars into a habitable environment through strategic interventions and technological advancements.

• What role did Tijana Mihajlović play in NASA's Mars missions?

  Tijana Mihajlović played a significant role in NASA's successful Mars missions during her 41-year tenure at the agency. As a major contributor to NASA's plan for human exploration of Mars, Tijana focused on the scientific rationale behind studying the red planet. She presented over 500 presentations worldwide, sharing her expertise and insights on Mars exploration. Tijana's dedication to understanding Mars' history, searching for signs of life, and advocating for human exploration has left a lasting impact on NASA's missions and the future of Mars exploration.