posted 07-05-2002 03:40 PM
My concern is that by the time the majority realise we have to move out from the Earth it will be too late.My answer to the question is not for a very long time. Politicians can only see as far as the next election and a mission to Mars will take a longer commitment than that. Also where is the profit ($$$£££) in going to Mars, so that eliminates a commercial mission.
What we need is an undemocratically elected dictator from a country with a lot of money and an enthusiasm for space or a large ego to say lets go for it. Whatever happened to that Saudi Prince who flew the Shuttle in 1985? There is also China but they have such a long way to go (if you will pardon the pun).
We should go for Mars now. It is close enough to achieve with our current level of technology. It really would not cost all that much. If the major nations of the World got together and donated 1% of their defence spending we would have more than enough funding for Mars (and probably a lot of other projects). After this we could go for the real prizes, The moon systems of Jupiter, Saturn etc. Oh dear! I am getting carried away. There is no fast obscene level of profit in these programmes so they will not happen. For the rest of my life, I will probably only read about missions to the planets in science fiction novels.
What did I mean by my original comment about leaving it too late? When we have nearly used up the Earth's resources or some major natural disaster is close we will realise mankind has to spread its wings. But by then there will not be enough time to do so. Shame, bye bye human race.
I am sorry for the above. I am sure Noah did not mean his opening post to lead to such a serious tirade. In answer to his original question. We will I think eventually go to Mars. It is so close it seems incoceivable we won't do it at some time. I will try and be optimistic and say before 2150.
As for the Moon. We will go back. It is only a few days travelling time and will become a playground for the rich and famous. There is profit in this so it will happen. There needs to be an improvement in Earth to orbit technology first so it will take a while. I will say back to the Moon in about 2040 with the first hotel about 10 years later.
Best wishes hoping I am wrong. Boy, do I hope I am wrong.
Rob W
posted 07-05-2002 08:12 AM
advertisement