Man To Mars: Why?
This guy makes a good point: Why should we spend so much money sending people to the moon and Mars? Nearly all the knowledge gained is of little practical use and could be duplicated using robots.
I'll have to admit being one of those who thinks heading to the stars is our destiny. On the more practical level, though, If the Cylons or The Borg ever find out where we are we'll likely need to get the heck out of here fast. Knowledge of manned space flight would certainly helpful in such an event.
Speaking of colonizing Mars, if you want to read a good book about it, try James Oberg's Mission To Mars. It's an oldie. I read it back when it was first published in '83. He's a NASA guy and tells how such a mission would likely take place. A fun and easy read as I remember it.
I wish I still had that book. It would be interesting to compare how he saw it to what we know today.
posted by Fred Mangels @ 9:37 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
I don't understand why some people are pissed when we cut the funds for the Space programs
During tough times, that should be the first department to be cut
There are many serious technological hurdles to overcome before we attempt interplanetary travel. A trip to Mars isn't merely to learn about Mars, but to continue developing our technological ability to travel in space. A funny footnote... before the Tea Party took over the GOP, Republican politicians funded NASA and science research more than Democrats, because they understood the massive benefit to military applications and private industry.
Have you see the Penny for Nasa video?
Just noting that Sally Ride, the first woman (and first lesbian) in space, died today. The thought came to mind because you titled the blog post, 'Man to Mars.'
R.I.P. Sally.
Her tombstone could read "If wishes were spaceships Sally would ride"
I'm old enough to remember that Kennedy turned America around with the space program. For a short window of time we had hope and optimism. Many great discoveries and inventions came out of the space program. Humankind needs a challenge to truly succeed.
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