Space colonization

GRAVITY: WHAT’S UP IS DOWN – The mysteries of gravity are taking scientists to the frontiers of the universe. Scientists are building huge devices on earth to measure gravity from the deepest reaches of the outer space. They say these gravity observatories will be as revolutionary as the first telescope; and will completely change our […]

When we think of the risks of space travel, we don’t usually think of the dangers we might pose to the extraterrestrial environment. But some scientists say we should make an effort to prevent our microbes from contaminating life forms that might exist on other planets, like Mars. Robin White reports.

Though President Obama has spoken of a new commitment to NASA, getting humans to Mars still looks a long way off. Undeterred, a group of scientists and engineers created the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah to simulate life on the red planet. We sent reporter Mike Neal there on a mission.