They are doable, but not cheap enough for individuals to make a choice to go to Mars. The costs get cut in slightly more than half just by making missions one way, but I don't think that is sufficient. I don't think it's at all appropriate for early missions either. I don't believe the general public will support tax dollars being used for colonizing Mars since even this Mars colonization supporter wouldn't. I believe searching for resources and life is an appropriate exercise for NASA, but the private sphere should take over beyond that. It's my understanding that Zubrin and Musk both agree with this and that is why their efforts are synergistic (Zubrin - exploration plan, Musk - cheap access to space) rather than antagonistic.
As you correctly point out use of asteroids and comets as a resource will certainly improve our ability to detect and control them. This is not likely to happen without some form of sustainable presence in space. An independent Mars colony is the most likely foundation for this.
Regards,
Mark
Space/Science » in reply to Real safety...
Direct & Semi-Direct Only For Exploration
The whole thread (30 posts)
- SpaceX founder dreams of colonizing Mars
- re: SpaceX founder dreams of colonizing Mars
- You left out the Moon again (n/t)
- There's a big difference between Musk and Zubrin
- You're Not An Engineer So Stop Pretending You Have A Clue About Engineering
- Evading the evidence, and throw in a personal attack
- Just The Facts
- Just The Facts
- Do You Ever Bother To Get Facts Straight?
- On this one, yeah
- Let's See If Taking It one Item At a Time Will be Simple Enough For You
- Let's See If Taking It one Item At a Time Will be Simple Enough For You
- [OK, Guys, simmer down]
- Let's See If Taking It one Item At a Time Will be Simple Enough For You
- On this one, yeah
- Do You Ever Bother To Get Facts Straight?
- Just The Facts
- Just The Facts
- Evading the evidence, and throw in a personal attack
- You're Not An Engineer So Stop Pretending You Have A Clue About Engineering