I'm a big fan of the space program, but I just feel that the money is better spent exploring the universe and our solar system with cheap probes.
Unless we're going to establish a base and have an extended presence on Mars I simply don't see the point.
2007-03-06 14:33:05 · 12 answers · asked by dtshaff 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Compare the variety and quantity of samples men were able to gather from the Moon, against the small amount that has been obtained by automated probe, and you may get some idea. We will be looking for signs of a life that may once have existed on a warmer wetter Mars, billions of years ago, before it lost the vast bulk of its atmosphere, and humans prospecting for water are more likely to strike it rich than machines, and can make educated guesses, as well as appreciating the occasional fortuitous find, recognisable by its difference from those things around it, something our primitive probes are not yet capable of.
2007-03-06 15:00:38 · answer #1 · answered by CLICKHEREx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What would be your first step to establishing a base on Mars? Perhaps, in the future, that would be a reality. But, for now, getting a man (or a woman) there would be a HUGE first step.
2007-03-06 14:36:50 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We shouldn't. A Mars mission would be long, dangerous and very expensive. The cost of developing a spacecraft that can support multiple men for four months or more, wih food, water, supplies, etc would be astronomical. It would offer very limited benefits over robotic missions, which we could do very cheaply.
2007-03-06 14:56:08 · answer #3 · answered by Matthew P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best reason has to be technological advancement.
The challenges created by the first "space race" spurred advances in technology like fuel cells, water recycling, co2 scrubbers, chemical & jet propultion, etc......
All of which are now commonly used in the global marketplace.
2007-03-06 15:13:52 · answer #4 · answered by Charlie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a large body of scientists capable of designing and building weapons or space craft. The number of these people keeps growing. I would prefer they were kept busy building civilian use space craft. We need to be doing things exciting to these people to keep their attention on space craft rather than weapons.
2007-03-06 14:45:51 · answer #5 · answered by anonimous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it's there. And it's better than making war. Maybe
someday space exploration will unite mankind.
Also human eyes, senses are better than probes.
2007-03-06 14:37:32 · answer #6 · answered by redman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is the ultimate goal, to colonize the planet Mars.
2007-03-06 14:36:02 · answer #7 · answered by Maurice H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree; unless we are going to Mars to stay, send a gazzillion robot probes for a tenth of the price instead.
We CAN go to stay; please read the Robert Zubrin link. It CAN be done.
2007-03-06 17:05:39 · answer #8 · answered by stargazergurl22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mars landings are still far off in time. there are many issues before it all becomes a reality.
2007-03-06 14:39:27 · answer #9 · answered by cadaholic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get rid of any unwanted astronauts.
2007-03-06 14:36:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋