Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to You Make No Progress Without Goals & Breaking Down The Problem

"Mars simply represents the best target for the Human program due to a confluence of scientific interest and human potential."
Larry J — (archived)

That is opinion, with some merit to back it up. Still, I hear you dismissing the original report because "The ultimate goal is correct, but the bill's author either does not know enough or does not care that some of the intermediate steps are a waste of effort in reaching that goal."

You are effectively fixated on Mars when you dismiss the other things like returning to the lunar surface, going to NEOs, etc. There's more to the solar system than one planet, no matter how interesting. One can argue with just as much merit that visiting NEOs for in depth study, partially from a resources perspective and partially from an impact perspective, could be just as important as going to Mars. It could also be done a lot sooner. The technology developed for such a mission would also be useful for going to Mars.

In the end, all of us space enthusists have to face a certain harsh political reality - there is no pressing need to do any of these things. Without the political will to commit the necessary resources over an extended period of time, it simply isn't going to happen. You can cite advocacy group polls all you want, but it matters for nothing until governments are serious to commit serious resources. So far, there's no sign of that happening anytime soon.

Log in or register to post.

The whole thread (44 posts)