Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NASA Expert: Mars Terraforming Unlikely for Centuries

3/12/2026

33 6

Summary

Story summary

The study by NASA scientist Dr. Slava Turyshev deems Mars terraforming unrealistic in the near term.
It outlines five milestones to make Mars habitable, starting from its current inhospitable state.
Hurdles include raising atmospheric pressure above 6.1 millibars and warming enough for liquid water.
Turyshev notes full terraforming would require vast gas and energy, a multi-century effort, while regional gains may be feasible.

1 of 1

Story summary

The study by NASA scientist Dr. Slava Turyshev deems Mars terraforming unrealistic in the near term.
It outlines five milestones to make Mars habitable, starting from its current inhospitable state.
Hurdles include raising atmospheric pressure above 6.1 millibars and warming enough for liquid water.
Turyshev notes full terraforming would require vast gas and energy, a multi-century effort, while regional gains may be feasible.