Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds

by Scott Solomon, Scott Kelly (Foreword)

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, 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 gleaning insights into evolutionary processes applicable to people isolated on faraway planets. We meet synthetic biologists developing gene-editing tools to equip future humans to thrive in alien environments. We watch a rocket designed to carry humanity to Mars make its first successful launch. And then we ask, knowing what we know: Should we go?

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Space

280 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Brian Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until recently there was a huge geeky talking point based on establishing a colony on Mars. Several billionaires took an interest, notably SpaceX's boss, while there was even the suggestion that a Mars colony could be run as a TV show, like an extraterrestrial Big Brother. The wilder speculation has now died down, but the idea of living on Mars still has a strong niche following.

In Becoming Martian, Scott Solomon gives us an in-depth and engaging look at the difficulties faced in moving to our nearest semi-inhabitable planet, which are considerable. As Solomon points out, the idea of terraforming Mars, giving it a breathable atmosphere and enough greenhouse gasses to warm it up a bit, is simply impractical - even if such a massive effort could be achieved, the combination of relatively low gravity, limited nitrogen and no magnetic field would mean the new atmosphere would be quickly lost again.

This means that would-be Martians will have to protect themselves permanently from radiation, cold and lack of atmosphere. Oh, and the soil is laced with toxic perchlorates. Despite all this, there are people who are still attracted by the idea of moving permanently to Mars. Solomon takes us through the specific difficulties - for example the social issues that have arisen in groups of people shut in isolated environments that attempt to replicate conditions on a space colony on Earth, and the effects of reduced gravity on human bodies - and the more speculative considerations, such as sex and birth in space and on Mars, or whether over generations martian residents would evolve to be a distinctive species.

One significant omission is saying much about the practicalities of getting there. Solomon points out how long it takes, and has a nice chapter on the history of human space travel, but there is nothing really on how you would get significant numbers to Mars safely. Although he doesn't mention it, there has been a long history of Mars probes failing, and the success of a few rovers doesn't give any clue as to what would be required to get survivable human habitation in place. I appreciate the focus of the book is the physical and psychological impact of the exercise, but surely getting there is an essential part of becoming Martian.

We get a nice mix of anecdotes from visits Solomon does, interviews with astronauts and scientific studies all pulled together in a readable fashion. However, when compared with the Weinersmith's A City on Mars, I think Solomon is too optimistic. This was highlighted by a a comment that Mars's natural resources make it 'the most attractive place we know of in our solar system for human habitation.' Solomon does qualify this in an end note that says '...other than Earth, it must be noted' - but it's a very big 'other than'. Despite this, though, it was an enjoyable picture of the current status of this highly speculative concept.

[Morts. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*

[Wendelle]

What I learned from this informative book is that it seems inhabiting Mars is a pipe dream for now. There's large scale challenges that even creative solutions can't circumvent. For instance, the lack of nitrogen is a big one, as the presence of nitrogen in our atmosphere is a necessity to make air breathable for us, as a pure oxygen atmosphere is flammable. We can think of dramatic interventions to introduce this and other resources, such as an asteroid loaded with nitrogen and water intentionally collided with Mars, but this will be a pointless endeavor given Mars' inability to hold on to its atmosphere. There's also the fact that Martian water has dangerous perchlorates that we can't consume, martian gravity makes our bones brittle, and childbirth in Mars will be harder. It's a harsher world where survival will drive us to subterranean living, and childhood will be changed radically to suit an unforgiving frontier-like lifestyle.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I will admit that I was surprised by the author’s conclusion at the end of the book. You’ll have to read the book to find out what that conclusion was. It was an interesting book, particularly concerning the history of the early attempts at Space exploration. It kind of lost me with all of the technical detail about microbes, genetic engineering, etc. The question in my mind has always been: Will we run out of energy (fuel in whatever form), before we can actually make any kind of a permanent settlement on Mars or any other planet. Was humanity created to expand indefinitely into the universe, or were we created to work out our destiny, however, long or short, on planet earth. The contents of this book have become more topical within the last few weeks because of the recent Artemis II expedition to the moon and the future Artemis plans to return to the moon and attempt to build a base there within the next 3 to 5 years. I am also a bit surprised that the Dyson sphere wasn’t mentioned at all in this book as a possible intermediate step. I’m also a little unclear because the author never says that our plans would be to create an earthlike environment on Mars. He rather seems to suggest that somehow humans of the future would have to “evolve“ into something different than what we currently are in order to be able to survive there.

[Joseph Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute page turning, fascinating look at the research and potential considerations around long term space exploration or interplanetary travel/colonization. If you love science fiction, and/or you are interested in the human condition and experience I would consider this a must read. If you happen to be like me and live in both of those worlds, you’ll find this a very difficult book to put down. Solomon does a remarkable job of making very complex and sophisticated science research extremely approachable and engaging for anyone, regardless of personal background. My only regret about this book is that I didn’t read it years ago, when I was an undergraduate- it would have likely changed my major and career. Had I known then some of these emerging fields of science would have existed, I would have likely taken even more of an interest in biology, evolution, genetics and a few other areas of study I dabbled in but wasn’t sure I wanted a career in. Just yesterday I was speaking with my father-in-law, a retired professor of Anthropology at the University of Oregon, and upon hearing the concepts of the book he began asking me questions that aligned very much with various sections of the book I had just finished. If scientists were baseball stars (what a world that would be!!) Solomon has assembled an absolute all star team to interview and whose research he shares in quite the organized and clear manner that helps the reader build their own understanding in a very useful and meaningful way. I was fortunate enough to learn about this book during a “meet the authors” event through the Next Big Idea Book Club, and after hearing his extremely brief description of the book I knew I wanted to read it. My excitement about the concept of this book fell short for how great it truly was, indicating not that the author sold it short, but that it’s far too deep to summarize in a brief description or a quick review (like this). I’ve already loaned my copy to my previously mentioned father-in-law, and will shout this as a “must read” to anyone at all that is curious about these concepts or that just happened to watch the newly released “Project Hail Mary” movie and want to understand more. For what it’s worth, he even mentions Weir by name (citing part of “the Martian”).

[Richard Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past several years I have read several books about the possibility of making it to Mars and the possibility of building a viable habitat in order to colonize the planet despite the environmental hazards and dangers that are present and the problems that would have to be overcome to make it a reality. Dr Solomon does this but also explores so much more concerning once the colony was functional how would these explorers evolve/change to batter adapt to their environment. Dr. Solomon has the ability to explain some very complex science in a manner that a reader with a modicum of scientific background can understand. I had to read the materials on CRISPR and genetic manipulation carefully as it's an area that I dont understand very well but I came away with a better understanding. This book could be the gateway for many HS students who are fascinated with science to feel a sense of excitement about what they could potentially do with their lives.

[MICHEAL DOANE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Martian by Scott Solomon reframes space exploration as a biological and evolutionary turning point rather than a purely technological milestone. The book explores, with scientific precision, how extreme environments like Mars will fundamentally reshape the human body, mind, and future generations.

Its strength lies in its interdisciplinary depth. By integrating insights from genetics, space medicine, and evolutionary biology, Solomon moves beyond speculation and grounds the narrative in credible, ongoing research. The result is a forward-looking analysis that feels both rigorous and unsettling in its implications.

At its core, the book challenges a central assumption, that humanity can expand into space without transforming itself. Instead, it positions space migration as the beginning of a new phase of human evolution, making it both a scientific exploration and a philosophical inquiry into what it means to remain human.

[Alizinea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrote this as a first impression
“This book focuses on the latest science” says the book teaser. But at page 40 of the e-pup we are barely past the 1950’s, having started even earlier in history…

written on completion of the book
While this is certainly not a bad book I will say that I felt that little of it where directly about human lives, living and future on Mars.

While island migration and gene manipulation is interesting in itself, it could have been cut way down and still made the same point. Also for someone who already has an interest in space travel much of the information about early space travel is already well known, and could have been cut from a book about ‘Becoming Martian’. Too much about the past, too little about the now and a potential future on Mars.

Furthermore the author kept referring to meeting people and attending conferences ect. and… I just don’t care. I don’t know the author, I don’t really care when or where they met this or that person, but I am interested in what this person has figured out or is researching in relation to Mars and humanities survival on Mars. But much of the newer research or interesting information is drowned in irrelevant information about the authors impression of the person and location. - Like why do I need to know he reminded one person he interviewed, to eat his omelette while they where meeting over breakfast?

Sigh, not my favourite but still worth the read
~ Ali

[Tuncer Akilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Martian is an easy read, and an account of communicating how living in space will change everything about us, earthlings, from bacteria to humans to cyborgs, or even in between. Most importantly, from lab research to ideologies, Dr. Solomon delves deep into questions of how, when, and why we should study Earth and space more to venture into space, which we are bound to!

[Arnold Grot]

The Planetary Society named this book its JUNE 2026 BOOK CLUB SELECTION. In the forward astronaut Scott Kelly list how his body changed after 340 days in orbit and the difficulty of recovering on his return to earth. I’ve read the introduction and first seven chapter. There are scientific studies researching what it will take for humanity to become a spacefaring species and Solomon explores them.
Very fascinating exploration of the challenges of evolution of humanity to the universe. My conclusion, like the author, comes from Sagan’s “ Contact” when Ellie’s alien avatar “dad” advises “small steps, Ellie, small steps” to proceed when humanity is ready.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit more in-depth than I am interested in, but still, very interesting: looking at the impact being in space will have on us as humans. Learned quite a bit; will recommend this to the science teachers at my school.

[Trevor Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job describing how difficult it will actually be to have a civilization in space. So many different variables that can easily make it nearly impossible. It would be cool to see, but I don’t think it will be any time soon.

[James Easterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book on the many, many serious issues in actuality living and surviving on Mars. To do so we must somehow become Martian.