Publication: “Mars and the Earthlings” Offers European Perspective on Mars Exploration

The EAI Project Team on Mars exploration has published Mars and the Earthlings: A Realistic View on Mars Exploration and Settlement (Springer, 2025), the first major outcome of its work. The book provides a thorough, interdisciplinary analysis of Mars missions, from near-term robotic exploration to the long-term prospects of human settlement and terraforming, through a distinctly European lens.

Developed by a group of European experts spanning astronomy, geology, biology, economics, philosophy, and more, the book addresses the scientific, technical, social, ethical, and political dimensions of crewed Mars missions. It seeks to clarify common misconceptions and help readers understand both the opportunities and risks of human expansion to Mars.

To support decision-making, the team has also released a policy-focused summary:
Can We, and Should We, Go to Mars? A Note for Decision-Makers is now available in English and being translated into several European languages.

These publications aim to support researchers, inform policy makers, and equip the public to form educated opinions on one of the most ambitious ventures of our time.

Future activities of the Project Team include the organisation of a Mars-focused summer school in Iceland in 2026.

Authors: Cyprien Verseux, Muriel Gargaud, Kirsi Lehto, Michel Viso, and collaborators

Book on Springer

Booklet on Zenodo