Scientists propose one-way trips to Mars to jump-start new era of humans in space
Scientists propose one-way trips to Mars to jump-start new era of humans in space
By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS , Associated Press
Last update: November 15, 2010 - 9:01 AM
PULLMAN, Wash. - Invoking the spirit of "Star Trek" in a scholarly article entitled "To Boldly Go," two scientists contend human travel to Mars could happen much more quickly and cheaply if the missions are made one-way. They argue that it would be little different from early settlers to North America, who left Europe with little expectation of return.
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"humans must begin colonizing another planet as a hedge against a catastrophe on Earth."
Finally some clear thinking on space exploration. The point isn't science (which is wonderful, but not cost effective, we can do better science with the resources), or exploration for the sake of exploration (which is wonderful, but really should be done with private money), but one of risk aversion in case we or someone (Vogons) or something else (giant meteorites, solar flares, etc.) screws up the earth.