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Space/Science » in reply to Don't develop target fixation

You Make No Progress Without Goals & Breaking Down The Problem
Mark Eby — (archived)

That is obvious to anyone tackling big projects not just space fans. NASA has had no clear goal and has had little progress as a result. This opinion has been voiced by many who work in NASA or have worked for NASA. I base my own opinion on this on my own experience in a far different setting. I know all to well the tendency of humans to make no progress without clear goals. The daily treadmill too easily becomes all consuming with no clear sense of direction. I have also seen a strong tendency to ignore problems and give up in the face of tough problems. You don't overvcome those tendencies without a clear sense of direction.

I think your target fixation comment is way off the mark. NASA's primary goal is not and should not be Mars. It's goals should be a permanent presence in space and answering key scientific questions through space exploration. Any rational evaluation of the properties of various targets within easy reach clearly shows Mars has the resources to sustain a permanent presence far better than any other reachable goal and it is one of the key targets in answering questions about the possibility of life outside of Earth. Numerous studies have placed Mars at the top of recommended priorities for NASA and I'm pretty sure you know that as well as the results of public opinion polls indicating interest in Mars.

I don't claim NASA should focus on Mars and only Mars. I believe strongly otherwise. There are many targets worthy of NASA's focus from a scientific standpoint. Mars simply represents the best target for the Human program due to a confluence of scientific interest and human potential.

Regards,
Mark

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