Elon Musk has warned that life on Mars will be dangerous at first.
Elon Musk thinks Mars could be 'dangerous' at first
The Tesla billionaire is hoping to reach the red planet with his SpaceX company but says the first settlers on Mars shouldn't expect a glamourous lifestyle.
In an interview with the head of TED conferences Chris Anderson, Musk said: "It's very important to emphasise that Mars, especially in the beginning, will not be luxurious. It will be dangerous, cramped, difficult, hard work.
"The sales pitch for going to Mars is, 'It's dangerous, cramped, difficult, hard work.' That's the sales pitch. But it'll be glorious."
Musk is also aware that the first trip to Mars will pose a certain amount of risk.
He said: "The joke I make all the time is excitement is guaranteed. Success is not guaranteed, but excitement certainly is."
The entrepreneur thinks that establishing colonies on Mars is essential to prolonging the existence of the human race.
Musk said: "I think this is important for maximising the probable lifespan of humanity or consciousness. Human civilisation could come to an end for external reasons like a giant meteor or super volcanoes or extreme climate change or World War III, or you know, any one of a number of reasons."