Chronos said:I am totally opposed to a manned mission to Mars. Do the words 'hugely expensive, wasteful and unnecessary' come to mind? . . . what other superlatives have I overlooked that better describe such an ill-conceived effort . . . Arrogance? Don't get me wrong . . . I would volunteer for this mission in a heartbeat . . . but we can do so much more with space telescopes, probes, etc., that it is just not worth it.
wolram said:It should read, greater understanding of our universe.
I agree. We need to get good at robotic seed missions to places like the moon and Mars way before we start sending a lot of people. It will take a couple decades at least of robotic seed missions before we know enough and are prepared enough to start risking people's lives and spending so much more money.CosmologyHobbyist said:I think a better plan is skip the manned missions. Send more and more robots to do low-cost research. It would be great to send some mining robots that could build other robots on site. Eventually, a robot manufacturing base would negate any need to send more probes. If such a base were built on the moon, all planetary missions could proceed from the moon, much cheaper than from earth. (I like these opinion polls, they really let you blather on! :)
The potential benefits of sending humans to Mars are numerous and varied. One of the main benefits is the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding of the red planet. By studying the planet up close, scientists can learn more about its geology, atmosphere, and potential for sustaining life. Additionally, a manned mission to Mars could also lead to technological advancements in space travel and colonization, as well as potential economic benefits from future mining and resource extraction.
A manned mission to Mars would differ from previous robotic missions in several ways. First, humans have the ability to adapt and make decisions in real-time, which would allow for more flexibility and creativity in exploring the planet. Second, humans can physically collect and bring back samples, rather than relying on robotic instruments. This could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the planet's geology and potential for life. Third, humans can conduct experiments and research on the planet, which could provide valuable insights and data that robots are not capable of obtaining.
As with any space mission, there are several potential risks and challenges associated with a manned mission to Mars. First and foremost is the health and safety of the astronauts. The journey to Mars would take several months, and the astronauts would be exposed to high levels of radiation and microgravity, which could have negative effects on their health. Additionally, landing and operating on a different planet comes with its own set of challenges, such as dust storms, extreme temperatures, and potential technical malfunctions.
A manned mission to Mars could benefit humanity in many ways. First, it could inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and space exploration. Second, it could lead to technological advancements that could benefit society, such as improved methods for sustainable living and resource management. Third, it could provide a backup plan for humanity in case of a catastrophic event on Earth. Finally, the pursuit of a manned mission to Mars could bring nations together in a common goal, promoting international cooperation and peace.
The long-term impacts of a manned mission to Mars on the planet and its inhabitants are still unknown and highly debated. Some experts argue that the presence of humans on Mars could potentially contaminate the planet and harm any potential native life forms. Others argue that with proper precautions and regulations, humans could coexist with any potential life on Mars while also taking steps to preserve and protect the planet's natural environment. Ultimately, it is important for any future manned mission to Mars to prioritize ethical and responsible practices to minimize any negative impacts on the planet and its inhabitants.