Memory foam, air purifiers, scratch-resistant lenses: these are just a few of the everyday items originally developed for space missions. Aerospace engineer Eric Hinterman invites us to dream big and imagine what technological advancements could come next, explaining why establishing a human presence on Mars is a big step for life on Earth -- and a giant leap toward becoming a space-faring species.

Eric Hinterman: How going to Mars improves life on Earth

How going to Mars improves life on Earth

Making oxygen on Mars isn't just sci-fi; it's a reality that could lead to sustainable space exploration and rocket propellant.

Venturing beyond Earth isn't abandoning it; technologies from space exploration, like solar cells and water filters, enrich our lives.

Humanity's future in the cosmos begins with Mars, a stepping stone towards settling the solar system and ensuring our species' survival.