Ep 7. Mars: The Next Frontier

Mars has been a focus of space exploration efforts for decades, but the red planet still holds many secrets that scientists are eager to uncover. In "Mars: The Next Frontier," the seventh episode of season 4 of Space's Deepest Secrets, a team of experts explores the latest findings and future plans for Mars exploration.

The episode begins by delving into what we already know about Mars. We learn that the planet is similar to Earth in many ways—both are rocky, terrestrial planets with seasons and polar ice caps—but there are also intriguing differences, such as the fact that Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system and the deepest canyon. Some experts believe that Mars may have once had liquid water on its surface, and that this could have supported life in some form.

The episode then turns to the current state of Mars exploration. We meet scientists and engineers who are working on various Mars missions, including the Mars 2020 rover (which is scheduled to land in February 2021) and the Mars Sample Return mission (which aims to bring back samples of Martian soil and rock to Earth). We learn about the challenges involved in designing and building spacecraft that can survive the harsh conditions of space and land safely on Mars.

One of the most exciting aspects of Mars exploration is the search for signs of past or present life on the planet. We hear from scientists who are investigating the organic compounds that have been detected on Mars, and who are using cutting-edge instruments to analyze the Martian atmosphere and soil. One researcher speculates that if there is microbial life on Mars, it may be hiding in underground aquifers, where it could be shielded from the harsh radiation on the planet's surface.

Another intriguing topic covered in the episode is the potential for humans to one day colonize Mars. We learn about the challenges involved in such a mission, including the need to create a self-sustaining habitat that can support human life for extended periods of time. We hear from experts who are proposing innovative solutions, such as using Martian soil to create building materials and using 3D printing technology to construct habitats.

Throughout the episode, we see stunning visualizations of Mars based on data from past and current missions. We also learn about some of the unexpected discoveries that have been made on the planet, such as mysterious plumes of methane gas that have been detected by Earth-based telescopes.

"Mars: The Next Frontier" is a fascinating look at one of the most tantalizing targets in space exploration. With new missions and technologies on the horizon, it seems likely that we will continue to uncover new secrets about the red planet for years to come.