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We as a civilization need a manned mission to Mars. It is a step toward where we need to be. When I say this, I am talking about the furthering of our civilization. Russian physicist Nikolai Kardaschev classified civilizations like this:

Type 0
- our civilization right now.
a.Chemical rockets
b.Ionic engines
c.Fission power
d.EM propulsion (rail guns)

Type I
? this civilization harnesses the energy output of an entire planet.
a.Ram-jet fusion engines
b.Photonic drive

Type II
? this civilization harnesses the energy output of a star, and generates about 10 billion times the energy output of a Type I civilization.
a.Antimatter drive
b.Von Neumann nano probes

Type III
? this civilization harnesses the energy output of a galaxy, or about 10 billion time the energy output of a Type II civilization.
a.Planck energy propulsion

A manned to Mars is absolutely necessary to further our civilization. Just as the misson to the Moon was in its day. We need to put our selfishness and egocentricy aside and focus on our future.