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===Risks confronted===
In the fifth chapter various risks that putatively rule out a long-term human presence on Mars are analyzed. Zubrin dismisses the idea that radiation and zero-gravity are unduly hazardous. [[Cancer]] rates do increase for astronauts who have spent extensive time in space, but only marginally. Similarly, while zero-gravity presents challenges, “near total recovery of musculature and immune system occurs after reentry and reconditioning to a one-gravity environment.” [[Back
In the same chapter, Zubrin decisively rejects suggestions that [[Moon]] should be used as waypoint to Mars or as a training area. It is ultimately much easier to journey to Mars from low Earth orbit than from the moon and using the latter as a staging point is a pointless diversion of resources. While the Moon may superficially appear a good place to perfect Mars exploration and habitation techniques, the two bodies are radically different. The moon has no atmosphere, no analogous [[geology]] and a much greater temperature range and rotational period. [[Antartica]] or desert areas of Earth provide much better training grounds at much less the cost.
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