Ever since NASA's Curiosity rover landed on Mars in August 2012, the big question that begs answer is: Can humans survive on Mars? Well, it appears feasible as radiation levels at the Martian surface seem to match those in the low-Earth orbit.

Apparently, the initial radiation measurements taken on the surface of Mars appear to support the notion that astronauts can indeed function on the Red Planet for limited stretches of time.

In a news conference held Nov.15, Don Hassler of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado told reporters: "Absolutely, astronauts can live in this environment."

Apparently, scientists took the help of Radiation Assessment Detector instrument or RAD that aims to study Martian radiation environment. The instrument helps scientists assess the past and existing potential to host life and aid manned exploration of the Red Planet, Space.com has reported.

Radiation levels seem to indicate that they are broadly comparable to those experienced in International Space Station and radiation is about half as high as the levels Curiosity experienced during nine-month cruise through deep space.

The findings demonstrate that Mars' atmosphere, though just 1 percent as thick as that of Earth, does provide a significant amount of shielding from dangerous, fast-moving cosmic particles. (Mars lacks a magnetic field, which gives our planet another layer of protection.)

The $2.5 billion Curiosity rover endeavors to secure a lead on the nature of this shielding. RAD has noted that radiation levels rise and fall by 3 to 5 percent over the course of each day, researchers stated, according to Los Angeles Times.

Hassler stated that though RAD is yet to record a solar flare or storm — an occurrence that greatly increases radiation levels — it is feasible for astronauts to sustain radiation during a specific time frame mission on Mars.

Solar storms are of grave concern to scientists as exposure to radiation while walking on Mars' surface, or while walking on space, will result in immediate illness.

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