8 high-tech innovations that will put humans on Mars

From interplanetary ships to humanoid robots, these are the technologies that will help establish the first human colony on Mars.

by Michael d'Estries  |  Friday, March 31, 2017

by Michael d'Estries
Friday, March 31, 2017

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The Martian greenhouse concept as created by researchers based out of the University of Arizona. The Martian greenhouse concept as created by researchers based out of the University of Arizona. (Photo: University of Arizona)

An illustration of an early Mars colony.
NASA's 'Valkyrie' robot is laying the technical groundwork for what will eventually become a fully functional robot assistant on Mars.
The AstroRad radiation suit aims to protect astronauts from damaging gamma rays during their time to and on Mars.
Potatoes have been called a Mars supercrop for their ability to grow in conditions similar on the planet's harsh surface.
Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) will send data from Mars to Earth at speeds 100 times faster than current radio-frequency communications.
The Martian greenhouse concept as created by researchers based out of the University of Arizona.
The 3D-printed 'Ice House' would use the abundance of liquid water and low temperatures in Mars' northern latitudes to create a dual-layer ice shell.
The development of carbon nanotubes will allow for the transport of lightweight, but strong materials to Mars.
A concept illustration of SpaceX's proposed interplanetary spaceship.
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A Martian greenhouse

For nearly eight years, researchers at the University of Arizona have been developing a 'Martian greenhouse' capable of not only feeding astronauts, but also supplying them with vital oxygen.

"It's a small, bio-regenerative life-support system and that's what NASA has, for many years, tasked us to develop," explained co-principal investigator Gene Giacomelli.

The 18-foot-long hydroponic greenhouse is designed as part of a larger habitat that would land on Mars, unfurl autonomously, and begin growing food months in advance of a human mission. So far, the team has had great success in growing nutritious crops like strawberries, basil, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

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