How difficult would it be to colonize Mars?
Short answer: It can be done but it will be very difficult, expensive, time-consuming and dangerous.
Long answer: Mars is the only planet we can hope to colonize in the foreseeable future. Venus is a plausible destination but Mars is generally regarded as the better target for our first attempt at colonizing another planet.
Of course there are alternatives to planets. The Moon, for example, or even just bigger and better space stations. Indeed, at this stage it seems that the Moon will be colonized before Mars, although that could easily change in the future.
No humans have ever been farther from Earth than the Moon. Mars is 300 times farther away and will be much more difficult to get to. The good news is that many organizations are planning to establish colonies on Mars. The bad news is that their plans range from optimistic to totally unrealistic.
Some of the big problems that need to be overcome:
- Cost
- Travel time
- Entry, descent & landing
- Food & other supplies
- Repairs & maintenance
- Medical issues:
- Injuries & illness
- Radiation
- Low gravity (cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, ocular, etc) - Psychological & social issues
- Legal, diplomatic & ethical issues
These challenges can all be overcome with time and money but it will require a big commitment.
See also: