Not just science fiction You'd be forgiven for assuming terraforming is just science fiction. But unlike faster-than-light travel, this staple of space adventure has a real scientific basis behind it.

The concept of terraforming Mars — transforming the planet's climate to support life as we know it — has long belonged to the realm of science fiction.

Beyond just figuring out how to terraform Mars, we also have to figure out how to get humans there in one piece. The effects of long-term space travel are still a mystery.