High radiation, low gravitation: The perils of a trip to Mars

Travelers will need more than just sunscreen and calcium supplements to mimic Earth's conditions while en route to Mars.

This is an Inside Science story. Back in May, SpaceX launched its Starship SN15 prototype to about the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner before landing it safely. The company claims future versions of the rocket will be able to take 100 passengers at a time to the moon, and even Mars. But while it's one thing to send a rocket to Mars, it's another to send people there alive. And it's yet another thing to make sure the people can be as healthy as they were when they left Earth. Besides packing enough fuel and air and water and food for the seven-month-long journey to Mars (and more for a return trip if you want a return ticket), there are other luxuries we enjoy here on Earth that the spaceship will have to provide if we want to stay healthy during the long flight.