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.
(Photo: University of Arizona)
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.
