Long-term viability of human civilization off Earth

Determine whether human civilization can thrive on Mars over multigenerational timescales by characterizing the impacts of radiation exposure, reduced gravity on reproduction and health, and psychological and socio-environmental factors associated with altered skies and habitats.

Background

The roadmap situates Mars warming within broader questions about human sustainability beyond Earth. Radiation hazards, low gravity’s effects on biology, and the psychological impacts of non-Earth-like environments pose unknowns for long-term habitation.

The authors highlight the need for multi-generational biology studies and caution that societal commitment may waver without clear benefits.