Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Yes & You Need To Figure That Into The Cost Of Infrastructure

Infrastructure at Mars is only useful at Mars...
Larry J — (archived)

Infrastructure in LEO is useful for all types of missions, not just humans on a single planet. As I wrote before, it can radically change the economics of spaceflight, from launching satellites and space probes to crewed missions to anywhere you want to go. If you're bound for an NEO, a LaGrange point, or geosynch, then infrastructure at Mars is completely useless.

By way of analogy, the interstate highway system costs millions of dollars per mile to build and more money per year to maintain, but that's what makes a great deal of our economy possible. Sure, the up front costs are steep but they can pay significant long term dividends. I want the whole solar system to be humanity's playground, not just Earth and Mars.

"Once you're in Earth orbit, you're halfway to anywhere"
- Heinlein

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