Life on the Red Planet.

The fact is this: the human population on Earth is rapidly increasing. In response, E.O. Wilson pleads to humanity to preserve biodiversity and become good steward's of Earth's natural resources. Others, however, have started looking for new places that could support human life. As our closest neighbor, Mars has been explored as a potential new home for human beings.

The first step is determining whether life exists, or has ever existed, on Mars. On Nov. 26, 2011, The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launched its newest spacecraft, Curiosity, with the most advanced technology to date to examine the existence of life. During its mission, Curiosity will analyze air composition and test rocks for the organic compounds necessary for Martian life, such as amino acids.

Though it is unlikely that human beings will colonize Mars within our lifetime, it is exciting to hear that space exploration still goes on. Some, though, are against it, questioning whether it is necessary to spend millions and millions of tax dollars to explore a planet that ultimately may not be able to support life at all. What happened to fervor over space exploration that existed during the Cold War? Do you remember when the United States sent a man to the moon? When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth? The 50th anniversary of Glenn's feat is right around the corner.

At some point in the future, it may be necessary to look for another home planet. We do not want to start exploring when it is already too late. Space exploration is not a lost science. It is still necessary, and currently making new advances. Curiosity will land on the surface of Mars and begin its exploration for signs of Martian life late this summer.