Adriana Marais, director of the Africa2Moon project, believes Africa must dream big — even while tackling basic challenges. In a wide-ranging conversation with Sputnik Africa, she defended the vision of launching the continent’s first mission to the Moon:
"We have to balance these kinds of basic improvements with dreaming about the future. Otherwise, we risk not participating in this really exciting era of space exploration. […] When we are outside of our comfort zone… we overcome challenges that we couldn't anticipate, and in doing so we learn new things and are able to advance," she said.
Marais champions a mission built on what she calls the “5 Cs”: Collaboration, Curiosity, Compassion, Courage, and Culture. Africa2Moon, she said, isn't a luxury — it's a call to inspire a generation and unlock the continent’s full scientific potential.
'Playing God'? Why Africa Needs to Dream Bigger Than Earth
The concept of establishing a human colony on Mars, coupled with the technological advancements necessary to create a sustainable environment on both Mars and the Moon, has sparked considerable debate. Central to this discussion is a profound ethical and moral question: Are these efforts tantamount to humans attempting to "play God"?
Marais suggested that altering our environment is a natural tendency for humans, a species historically inclined to transform the world around us. She believes that venturing to distant planets will ultimately deepen our appreciation for our home planet, Earth.
“Humans have always been toolmakers and, in parallel, explorers… so it’s only natural that we would continue exploring,” the scientist said.
She defended space exploration as a path to deeper responsibility — not escapism:
“The lessons we learn when we are traveling so far from home will foster a greater appreciation for our home planet… and perhaps lead us to become better stewards of Earth,” the speaker added.
Marais ultimately argued: dreaming beyond Earth inspires solutions on Earth.