It's a question that has focused the minds of astronauts, scientists, space entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike — is there, could there be, life on Mars? The race is on to find out, with NASA hoping to land astronauts there by the late 2030s. Because of its similar conditions to Earth, they're hoping the red planet could hold clues to the enduring mysteries of how life began, and whether we are alone in the universe.

This event was recorded at the World Science Festival Brisbane in partnership with the Queensland Museum and the Big Questions Institute on March 22, 2024. Original Big Ideas broadcast on 16 April 2024.

Speakers

Professor Tamara Davis Astrophysicist, University of Queensland

Professor Kathleen Campbell Astrobiologist, University of Auckland

Professor Martin Van Kranendonk Astrobiologist and geologist, Head of the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University

Dr Jorge Vago ExoMars Project Scientist, European Space Agency

Dr Graham Phillips (host) Astrophysicist, science journalist, former host of Catalyst (ABC)