011 - Enkhtuvshin Doyodkhuu, Mongolia

The red sands of the Gobi Desert might be thousands of miles from NASA, but they may be one of the best places on Earth to prepare for life on Mars. This week on Aspiring Martians, I spoke with Enkhtuvshin Doyodkhuu, project manager of Mars-V, a visionary initiative in Mongolia that combines a Mars simulation habitat, an international science and innovation center, and a satellite city that blends research, tourism, and futuristic thinking. The idea? Build a place where future astronauts, scientists, and curious minds can train and test for the real deal, all while experiencing the beauty and extremity of a landscape that feels more Martian than Earth bound.

We talked about the unpredictability of Mars simulations (hint: if something can go wrong, it probably will), how those moments are exactly what makes them invaluable for future mission planning, and how to stay resilient in the face of skepticism. Dono also shared his big-picture visions for Mongolia's role in the future of space exploration and why the Gobi's windswept plains might just shape the next generation of Martian pioneers.

A big thank you to Dono for today's incredible conversation, to Nick Thorburn for our theme music, to Ceci Giglio for the stunning graphics, and to my family for their constant support.