An article regarding Mars One, cites the application process is open, supplies are scheduled to arrive on the red planet in 2016 with colonists arriving as early as 2023.
The article is interesting but the idea of a non governmental organization running this seems:
A) Impossible inside of 50 years despite their claims that “the tech is available now”
B) Sure to lead to disaster/deaths with no regimented and trained NASA personnel
C) Almost “scammy” - having to pay $38 just to see the application process? With selection AT LEAST 10 years out (and probably never happening) it just reads like a scheme in line with “naming a star”.
What do you guys think?
I am all for space exploration and some day we as a civilization have to get off this planet, but its not happening this century and this seems destined to do much more harm than good.
Not sure its a scam per se but it does seem a tad optimistic. Though on the other hand, I think your 50 years (assuming we actually decided “we” wanted to do it) is a bit pestimistic. But I do think it will be 50 years because there seems to be no serious drive to go and therefore all we get is putzing around in low earth orbit.
But I did the article a few days ago. And the newest one today seems focused on the fact they will use NIGHT VISION GOOGLES!.
Seriously, is THAT aspect of the mission newsworthy?
Yes it’s impossible. I’m willing to put money on it. There will be no colonists on Mars in 2023.
I can’t say impossible, rather incredibly unlikely. Like all great things man has achieved the advance will come when some sort of profit can be realized.
Will it be the income of those wealthy people who wish to leave the Earth, even for a visit? Will it be some manufacturing, mining or other industry that low gravity or distance makes the trip worthy? For the longest time national will and militarization were the driving forces, and are to this day.
The lull in the space race was a result of one of the competitors having a little issue with their country falling apart. I imagine the rise of China to compete on the world stage might yet again push the national agenda a tad.
But ultimately, it’s about the dollar (or yen as it may be). I am personally heartened by the launch of the Antares rocket from Wallops Island, Virginia Sunday, a privately built spaceship contracted by NASA. I think it’s a great step into the future.
All information indicates that the Mars colonists would not last very long. Despite their best efforts, solar radiation would kill them (unless they lived underground). As for growing food there (in a greenhouse), that sounds problematic as well. If you want to live in an inhospitable environment, go to Antarctic-its 100 times better.