The European Space Agency has ambitious goals for space exploration in the near future. In a new report published during the week of June 15, the space agency revealed that one of its ambitions is to have humans living on Mars within 15 years. The prediction could be overly optimistic, given that one of the aerospace companies leading the space race has seen some of its rockets explode.
The vision
The report, titled “Technology 2040: A Vision For the European Space Agency,” says, “By 2040, we envision a resilient European presence across Earth’s orbits and the solar system.” It adds, “Expanding into space is not a luxury but a necessity and space is no longer a frontier – it is a territory.”
The report stated that access to space will unlock previously unknown resources that could lead to new markets and advancements in science.
Space oases
The ESA said it envisions so-called “space oases” on the red planet that offer luxurious indoor living areas made with heat-reflective materials, which also allow for the harvesting of crops, enabling long-term, if not permanent, stays. Plants will live in glass-roofed greenhouses to grow fruits, vegetables and grains.
“The next steps in human exploration will involve longer stays and farther destinations,” the ESA said. “Key to the success of these undertakings will be the creation of more permanent infrastructure with increased independence from Earth.”
These space oases are expected to exist in as little as 15 years, according to the ESA. The report goes on to explain the process to get to that point, which includes creating habitats complete with places to eat, sleep and work. The space agency says the oases will be self-sustaining, eliminating the need for resupply missions from Earth.
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Scientists discovered 2 miles of water below the surface of Mars near the planet’s equator in 2024, which they say could provide drinking water to future human exploration.
Musk’s prediction
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has predicted human colonization of Mars and said he intends to create a one-million-person colony on the planet. He also previously said humans could be on Mars by 2029 and live on the planet in roughly 20 years.
Musk’s ambitions suffer a blow
NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX also plan to send humans to Mars as soon as next decade. Those efforts suffered a blow on Wednesday, June 18, after the Starship — the craft currently most capable of launching humans toward Mars — burst into flames during a routine ground test at Massey’s Testing Center site in Texas. No one was injured, but the fire from the explosion continued to burn hours after the malfunction. The setback follows the explosions during three flight tests earlier in 2025.
Musk said in response to the latest explosion on X, “Preliminary data suggests that a nitrogen COPV in the payload failed below its proof pressure. If further investigation confirms that this is what happened, it is the first time ever for this design.”
The role of AI
According to the ESA, space dwellers will rely on artificial intelligence and autonomous crafts to explore Mars. These spacecraft will venture far beyond where humans can go and help discover mineral resources, as well as uncover the mysteries of the solar system and the universe.
The agency also said it will be imperative to protect those living on the planet from extreme weather conditions outside, emphasizing the need for “smart radiation shield materials.”
The facilities on Mars will also feature high-tech sensors to forecast, track and protect against harmful hazards, such as space rocks hurdling toward the complexes.
Mining for materials
Materials on Mars, like remnants of asteroids, will reportedly be mined for future building materials. Space debris will also be utilized to help establish a “circular and sustainable” Mars economy, while minimizing the impacts of the planet’s harsh environment.
