Pathfinders images were immensely popular as are those from many space probes. We don't need to find the object in the sky to be inspired by the images coming from it. This translates to Earth too. How many shows owe part of their popularity to intersting exotic locals that many of their viewers couldn't even find on a map?
The simple point that Gary thinks is too obvious to address is that you logical choices of destinations for exploration and settlement based on their intrinsic value not distance. Distance only matters if it places an insurmountable barrier. We used to think that was the case with Mars versus the Moon. Most people can understand why this is no longer true when in-situ resource use is planned for Mars.
Public interest and support is also important. We know the support is not there for a return to the Moon. General public support for a Mars mission has not really been tested because it has not been considered a serious possibility with no serious drive for one from Congress, NASA, or an administration. Polls usually indicate either a draw or a preference for Mars, but they never evaluate whether the pollees understand that the reduction in estimated costs since the last public push for Mars by Bush 1 and/or the relative technical difficulty compared to our push to the Moon. It is obvious that there is a lack of government support for both options at the current time.
Regards,
Mark
Space/Science » in reply to Well that's nice,
Ever heard of of TV or the internet? The Visual Argument is Bogus
The whole thread (42 posts)
- EP and John Young, kindered spirits?
- Moon vs. Mars: barking up the wrong trees
- Is today "National Astronauts Speak Out Day"? (n/t) (n/t)
- A Moon first stratagy only makes sense.
- Re: Worden
- Along with many others