Scott Solomon, "Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds" (MIT Press, 2026)

About this episode

Scott Solomon discusses how living in space will change our bodies and minds, exploring the implications of space travel and settlements for future generations.

How living in space will affect future generations—and what the potential unintended consequences of space settlements are.We are on the cusp of a golden age of space travel in which, for the first time, it will be possible for large numbers of people to venture into space. Some intend to stay. But what happens—and will happen—to us in the extreme conditions of space? What should space tourists expect to happen to them during a journey to an orbiting space station, the Moon, or Mars? What would happen to children born on another planet? Would they evolve into a new species? In Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds (MIT Press, 2026) Scott Solomon explores the many ways in which humanity’s migration into space will change our bodies and our minds.This book focuses on the latest science, taking readers to the front lines of research. We hear from astronauts, including Scott Kelly who writes the foreword, and we join a team of scientists guiding a rover across the surface of Mars. We visit a high-security lab where engineers are simulating space radiation to measure its effects on the body. We travel to isolated islands where field biologists are…

People in this episode

Guest: Scott Solomon

Topics covered

• space travel
• human evolution
• effects of space on the body
• space settlements
• future generations
• gene editing
• astronaut experiences

Keywords

• space travel
• human evolution
• space settlements
• astronauts
• gene editing
• Mars
• Moon
• space radiation
• biological effects

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MIT Press

Places: Mars, Moon, space, isolated islands, high-security lab

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