New Mars Forums

I would be extremely surprised if we see a space elevator in the next 15 years. Although it would make Mars much more convienient, I don't see us harnessing an asteroid with as-of-yet untested technologies before we go to Mars, which is quite possible with existing technologies. I believe a space elevator may come sometime after a permanent residence is established on Mars, as this would provide a great use for the elevator and huge economic opportunities.

True, but one speech is better than no speech, and one speech is definetly better than not supporting the plan (as you noted Kerry does).

And Hazer is right, fight for it we must! However writing, calling, or even visiting congressmen about the issue will only go so far, when they have so much else on their plates to consider, and so many other things they would rather spend the national budget on.

If only congress could somehow see past the imediate expenses to the enormous returns such a mission would bring, not only in science and technology (I know, blah, blah, blah... we've all heard this all before ), but more importantly to the progress of humanity.

Whether or not this plan goes anywhere will most likely be up to the next administration, and the following one as well. If Bush is re-elected, hopefully he will stick to it and make sure the Moon to Mars Comission's report doesnt end up in the same stack as the 90-Day Report. However, if Kerry is elected it could be another story.

BTW, anyone know Kerry's stance on the issue, or if he has one at all?

I would say "Blues" and "Greens" fall in the same category, in that they are both for terraforming rather than against it. Enough air pressure to walk around without a suit is a goal common to both, however I'm sure you would agree it is not the final goal.

Indeed it will take more than a lifetime to fully terraform, which is all the more reason to support every aspect of the project for the benefit of future generations.

Regarding that article, it doesn't sound good for the shuttle fleet... but at least there is a glimmer of hope for Hubble.

I don't doubt that China has the technical capabilities and motivation to put a man on Mars, but I do doubt that the US will let them be the first. It would mean the beginning of the end of the American dominated era, and I just don't see this country letting that happen over someting we are just as capable of doing.

You mean vote? Sounds like democracy to me.

Yeah that is pretty suprising KSR is a Red, it sure doesnt show in his novels. But regardless, that quote pretty much embodies why I am a Green. Following the Red's logic, we should have left Noth America untouched and crammed Earth's growing population into Europe, so as not to harm any of the continent's natural beauty.

Is it possible to finish all that in less than 5 years to meet the 2010 retirement date?

Actually I am not sure at all, it was just an assumption which is proablby wrong. But it seems to me that there must be another way to finish ISS, and the way things are looking with the shuttle as of now, it might not be a bad idea to start finding it if ISS is to ever be completed.

I realize our international comittment to finish ISS, and that not finishing what you start is not the best way to operate... but how much would completion of ISS add to its current capabilities (which will soon be put on the back-burner anyways when Moon to Mars gets underway)? Not much I would think. It's like putting money into a dying car when you should be saving for a new one. Not a very good analogy I know, but you get the point.

IMO NASA should stop pouring money into a vehicle that will last another 5 years at most. ISS can be finished without us, and the reality is that even it will become obselete in  a decade or two. Hardly worth the trouble when there is so much more out there that needs exploring.

Quit practicing in the driveway and take humanity out for a joy ride!!

I think terraforming is not a question of if, how, or why, but rather it is a question of when. The fact is people will eventually go to Mars and live there permanently. And when that happens is it inevetable that they will sooner or later attempt to terraform, so that generations and generations down the line, people will be able to walk outside in the free air. Chances are it is a dead rock, so changeing the environment there would be no less ethical (perhaps more ethical) than the many things that we change on the living Earth everyday. I know this quote may be a little played out, but IMO they are wise words:

"We are the consciousness of the universe, and our job is to spread that around, to go look at things, to live everywhere we can. It’s too dangerous to keep the consciousness of the universe on one planet; it could be wiped out. Mars will always remain Mars, different from Earth, colder and wilder. But it can be Mars and ours at the same time. And it will be. There is this about the human mind: if it can be done, it will be done. We can do it, so we will do it. So we might as well start."           -Kim Stanley Robinson

To me that sums it up.