If we are ever going to settle down on Mars, we might have to because a little less human. Missions to Mars, which are scheduled to start in 2030, will be hard on astronauts. It will expose them to high radiation loads, bone-wasting microgravity, and other hazards, and it’s for several years at a time. They should be able to make it back with good conditions, agency officials said.
It might be different if some people don’t come back to Earth, though. If they want to stay safe and healthy while living permanently on Mars (or any other planet outside of Earth), we might have to tweak our DNA. Genetic engineering and other advanced technologies may need to be used if people want to stay on Mars. If they are living on Mars, these technologies will be necessary if they want to survive.
Genetic enhancement might not be futuristic for long. Scientists have already inserted genes from tardigrades into human cells. The engineered cells showed a greater resistance to radiation than their normal ones. Space agencies already take measures to protect their astronauts, by spacecraft shielding and using many types of medicines. So, it’s not a huge step to consider protecting them physically as well.
Using these technologies might also someday help astronauts to go farther than Mars, to an even more dangerous place. An example is, a journey to Europa is not currently possible. It is very cold, and it lies in the middle of Jupiter’s radiation belts. If they ever get there, their body would almost be completely fried because of the radiation, which would mean death unless they come up with some type of shield to protect them. It is possible, though, because there might have been life on Mars before.