The distance to Mars from Earth varies between about 55 million km (34 million miles) and 400 million km (249 million miles) because both planets have elliptical orbits around the Sun. The closest and farthest approaches happen approximately every 26 months, with the theoretical closest distance of about 54.6 million km (33.9 million miles) never having been recorded in history.

Not for long — even advanced suits protect only within limits, and extreme cold or sudden swings could be fatal without habitat support.

While the winds aren’t strong enough to knock over structures, the fine dust can damage equipment, reduce visibility, and cut off solar power — serious risks for survival.

The illuminated conduits distribute power seamlessly across the suit — from life support to mobility systems. This ensures the astronaut never loses critical functions, even in extreme conditions.

Mars’ tiny moons, Phobos and Deimos, are likely captured asteroids from the nearby asteroid belt. Their irregular shapes and unstable orbits make them very different from Earth’s Moon — and a challenge for future exploration.