In Science.Mic, Tom McKay wrote that Earth is undergoing yet another great mass extinction in its 3.5 billion year lifespan. Stephen Hawking claims climate change, nuclear war, genetically engineered viruses, diseases, and robocalypse could all mean the end of humanity as we know it. But let us not jump to conclusions; these sayings have been around for years, but there are still people walking the Earth.

   Let us be pessimistic for a second. What would happen if the Earth really did undergo a tragic accident? Would we say goodbye to all humanity? That is why Mars’ colonization is so important to achieve; the human race is far too valuable to be destroyed. One of the best backups, and perhaps the most effective, is future travel to Mars.

   Not only will Mars colonization supply the human race with an escape from any worldwide catastrophes, but it can also lead to some of the greatest breakthroughs in science. Questions such as “Does life expand beyond Earth?” and “Is there life on Mars?” may be answered.

   NASA has long been promoting its goal of sending people to Mars by 2030. After sending more robotic probes to Mars than any other country, NASA believes that men will walk on Mars soon with the help of technology.

   According to Ask an Astronomer, NASA has been spending more than 2.65 billion dollars on its Mars missions. NASA needs to complete its research and technology, but it will be expensive and hard. However, it is worth it if it means saving the human race.

   Winters on Mars can be as cold as negative 135C and a summer day’s temperature may rise to 20C. Water is found in Mars, and although it is frozen, scientists are working to further evolve life through that water. Conditions on Mars are clearly not suitable to sustain human life without outside protection. That is why NASA has long been working on domes for humans to be kept in while staying on Mars.

   President Obama seems to agree and promote NASA’s trip to Mars. He said to CNN, “We have set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America’s story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time.” NASA’s trip to send people to Mars and safely bring them back could really bring the human race one step closer to its future and maybe even be its savior.