What is the grandest long-term usage projected for Mars in the context of human civilization's survival?

Answer

Establishing a self-sustaining colony to safeguard against existential risks on Earth

The most ambitious vision for Mars involves its role as humanity's second home, designed to ensure the species' long-term continuity. This concept, championed by private aerospace entities like SpaceX, posits that establishing an independent, self-sustaining colony on another celestial body is necessary to mitigate existential risks that could potentially devastate Earth. This usage extends beyond merely being a scientific outpost or resource depot; it aims to allow human culture, industry, and society to take root and evolve independently in the cosmos.

What is the grandest long-term usage projected for Mars in the context of human civilization's survival?
MarsSpaceexplorationplanetscolonization