For years, the possibility of a manned mission to Mars has filled our newsfeeds and imaginations, but what actually needs to be done to make that dream a reality? In this episode of The Curious Cosmos, Derrick Pitts is joined by science writer Mary Roach discuss her book, Packing for Mars, and all the important (and often off-kilter) work being done to prepare for that mission here on Earth!

• Check out Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, and Mary's other books
• Explore the Antarctic Search for Meteorites further
• Check out the Mars500 project from the European Space Agency, where participants simulated a tip to Mars in Moscow.
• Learn more about Peggy Whitson, the American record holder for most time in space!
• Learn more about the failed Mars One project, which promised to colonize Mars via a reality TV show