Send seniors on one-way trip to Mars?

~~Dirty~~ · 11-19-2010, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondo

What does exploring mars have to do with humanity ending? Yes, manned explorations are a lot more expensive than sending drones & robots out there, but such experiments are necessary in order to understand our solar system and the universe beyond. Observations from earth via telescopes/satellites just don't cut it.

I would say, in a decade or so, when the technology is more feasible & affordable, such an undertaking would be possible. Till then, the likes of spirit & opportunity (and other robots) are doing a great job! If money is usually the problem, there's always billions spent on developing a new bomb or armored vehicle every year you know...just sayin'.

They are exploring Mars so we can colonize it in the event of a huge Earth catastrophe.

It's going to take at least 20 years to even have one of these one-way trips happen

rondo · 11-19-2010, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty

They are exploring Mars so we can colonize it in the event of a huge Earth catastrophe.

Umm, well, like?

~~Dirty~~ · 11-19-2010, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondo

Umm, well, like?

Hell if I know... Maybe something hitting the Earth? Or maybe a catastrophic earthquake or something? Not sure exactly, but that is why that the reason we are trying to send people to Mars

rondo · 11-19-2010, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty

Hell if I know... Maybe something hitting the Earth? Or maybe a catastrophic earthquake or something? Not sure exactly, but that is why that the reason we are trying to send people to Mars

Damn, I never read that part at the end of the article. If this is truly the motivation behind, then its just disgusting. Space exploration/Colonization should be more out of fascination than desperation. My excitement was more due to research opportunities and the amount of data that could be communicated back. Even the discovery of micro-bacterial organisms would be huge. Also, the fact that its usually a good idea for a number of nations to get involved in such a big project in and of itself would be a unifying factor.

Dom · 11-20-2010, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty

Hell if I know... Maybe something hitting the Earth? Or maybe a catastrophic earthquake or something? Not sure exactly, but that is why that the reason we are trying to send people to Mars

We want to explore and understand the universe because it is in human nature to be curious and to want to understand. Not to mention increasing the longevity of the human race. A mass extinction will hit Earth eventually, and if we haven't spread to other planets and eventually other solar systems, etc. we will be wiped out. But personally, I think curiosity is the main thing. What's the point of existing if we do not at least try to fulfill our nature for discovery?