In their recent study, planetary scientist Nina Lanza and her team at the Los Alamos National Laboratory explored the necessary steps to transform Mars’ surface into a more Earthlike environment, and what actions are required now if we aspire to make the Red Planet capable of sustaining human life in the future.
Impressions of terraformed Mars artists. Image credits: Daein Ballard/CC by-sa 3.0.
“Believe it or not, since 1991, there has been no comprehensive examination of Mars’ viability for terraforming,” stated Dr. Lanza.
“Since that time, we have made remarkable progress in Mars science, geoengineering, launch capabilities, and bioscience.”
Terraforming Mars involves warming its atmosphere and enabling engineered microorganisms to generate oxygen through photosynthesis.
“We need to confront the actual requirements, costs, and potential risks before determining whether the effort to warm Mars is worthwhile, as opposed to the alternative of preserving it as a pristine wilderness,” the researchers noted.
The research paper discusses current understanding of Mars’ water, carbon dioxide, soil composition, and potential strategies to raise Mars’ surface temperature, enhance atmospheric pressure, and increase oxygen levels.
Innovative methods have been developed that could elevate Mars’ average global temperature by several tens of degrees.
Research priorities should focus on understanding the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological limitations that will influence future decisions regarding Mars. This research could drive advancements in Mars exploration, biological sciences, and atmospheric engineering.
“This work could ultimately aid in maintaining the ‘Oasis Earth’,” the scientist mentioned.
“Technologies developed for Mars habitation, such as drought-resistant crops, efficient soil enhancements, and advanced ecosystem modeling, could also benefit our home planet.”
“Terraforming research on Mars serves as a crucial testbed for planetary science, probing theoretical frameworks and revealing knowledge gaps.”
“Ongoing research promises significant scientific breakthroughs, regardless of whether large-scale terraforming takes place.”
“Until that study is completed, we cannot ascertain what is physically or biologically feasible.”
“If humanity can learn to terraform a planet like Mars, it may pave the way for future exploration beyond our solar system.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Natural Astronomy on May 13th.
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ea debenedictis et al. 2025. A case study of terraforming on Mars. Nut Athlon 9, 634-639; doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02548-0
Source: www.sci.news
