# Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/open-to-debate-610487/should-the-u-s-prioritize-settling-mars
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/open-to-debate-610487/should-the-u-s-prioritize-settling-mars.md
Podcast: [Open to Debate](https://stenobird.com/podcast/open-to-debate-610487)
Published: 2026-03-26T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL3315258300.mp3?updated=1774293952
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADL3315258300.mp3?updated=1774293952
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Duration seconds: 3195

## Resource

NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission — a major step back into deep space to explore the Moon. But as NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are also working on plans to make Mars humanity’s next frontier, what comes next, and should Mars be the bigger priority? Those arguing “yes” say the U.S. should do it first before China, while opponents say major challenges make colonization unrealistic. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars? Arguing Yes: Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica Arguing No: Shannon Stirone, Freelance Science Writer Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Join the conversation on Substack - share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff. Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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