Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Mars Society

It's Definately Frowned On But Not Taboo
Marsby — (archived)

I doubt you will make it on the board of directors or the steering committee promoting the Moon first, but no one will kick you out. A few might give you an earfull. The issue isn't so much a few test flights to the Moon as it is getting bogged down in a big lunar base with about as much value as the ISS. Zubrin believes there are people in NASA intentionally trying to modify the constellation in manner to hamstring going on to Mars. I'm not sure if this represents penny wise pound foolish thinking or active antagonism towards Mars.

The key issue for me is that people lost interest in the cold dead monotonous moon quickly during Apollo and they are likely to again. I believe we need to proceed rapidly on to Mars where the variety of scientific questions and in particular the high interest search for life are more likely to hold the public's attention and support. I think we need the equivalent of an antarctic style base there to pursue research. Such a base should develop in-situ technology to minimize cost. That will help enable private exploration and colonization if launch costs drop low enough to allow that.

Regards,
Mark

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