Perspectives on the future of space exploration are shared in this Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed session featuring twin brothers Mark and Scott Kelly, both former NASA astronauts. The discussion includes reflections on Scott Kelly’s landmark year-long mission aboard the International Space Station, offering insights into the physical and psychological demands of long-duration spaceflight. The session highlights the vital role of scientific research in orbit as a foundation for future technologies. Drawing parallels with the UAE’s rapid development, the Kelly brothers suggest that the ingenuity and determination of the people who built world-class cities in a challenging environment make them ideal candidates to lead the ambitious endeavour of building a city on Mars.