Can we colonize Mars? Should we?

[Creamsteak]

I was recently looking over some websites for research on colonizing Mars. Although it seems that everyone admits that the cost is too great for any private corporation to undertake, and unlikely for any goverment to fund, I've seen some interesting information on how Mars could be colonized.

My research requires me to prove that Mars cannot be colonized because of costs, but the more I read information by these NASA types, the more I want to believe that we can colonize our red neighbor.

Heres some interesting links:

http://www.nw.net/mars/docs/m_econom.pdf
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/mars/ask/colony/

 

[ergeheilalt]

Well, I would like to see the human race branch out.

First off, Mars is at this point in time too costly to colonize. There is no air readily available and water (to our knowledge at this time) is only located at the poles.

I would be all for attempting to terra-forming Mars, however, the process is exceedingly long in nature. We would most likely not see any results for well over 200 years. So, a company or government pledging resources to trying an experimental idea that would have a two hundred year gap before results would be seen is unlikely. Also, note that currently, corporations would be unable to initiate terra-forming, as huge nuclear explosions would be required to crack the crust of mars and get water flowing once again (that is if there is any under the currently dead crust).

We need to look at what Mars currently has available, in that regard - we don't know. The Moon contains rich deposits of Helium 3, an isotope that is especially valuable to nuclear fusion tests and is an REE (rare earth element). The moon is much more accessible and does not require astronauts dedicating three years of their lives to the enterprise.

I think, long before we see Mars colonized, the moon will have a settlement.

Erge

 

[Umbran]

The question of whether we could or could not colonize Mars is interesting as a technical question. However, once you get to discussing the economics in depth, or ask if we should colonize the planet, you get into politics.

 

[ergeheilalt]

Whoah, sorry bout that - I missed your bit about doing a project. I just gave a speech on why the space industry should be priviatized (A and A- for the two speeches).

Here is some information that you might find good for prooving your point:

New Scientist Jan 31-Feb 6 "Destination Mars"

-Mars is 150 times further away from the Moon
-With fuel, food, a landing and launching vehicle, life support, and the like, even conservative estimates put the total weight of a mars mission at 150 tonnes. We can currently lift 25 tonnes into low earth orbit, not to mention having to push it out of earth's gravitational pull and on it's way to Mars.
-The propulsion means to get to Mars is still iffy. Chemical boosters (ie: NASA shuttle boosters) are way too heave, solar-powered ion drives are very slow, that leaves nuclear power. Try selling that to the public, sending a nuclear reactor out to space.

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This is a great issue about space and about humanity going there within the next 20 years. I highly recommend it for your project. Lots of juicy bits.

Erge

 

[Creamsteak]

Whoah, sorry bout that - I missed your bit about doing a project. I just gave a speech on why the space industry should be priviatized (A and A- for the two speeches).

I've got the research covered already. I just thought the subject was something interesting. I started the assignment agreeing with it (that Mars shouldn't be colonized due to costs), but a lot of the information says that we should colonize Mars -it'll just be a long time before we get much out of it.

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

I doubt we'll be able to colonize Mars until we stop fighting amongst ourselves and actually work together as a planet. But I doubt that will happen even in my lifetime.

 

[Henry]

Heck yes! Spread our presence out into space far and wide! Boldly go where no one has gone before! Find those good-looking Barsoomian women...

Er, I mean, I think it would be worthwhile. In my opinion, it WILL happen, at least one colony for scientific exploration if nothing else, but it's more of a question of when. I don't forsee it for at least 25 years. Maybe even 50 years.

 

[MerakSpielman]

Anybody believe that humanity will ever spread beyond the limits of the solar system?

 

[Ranger REG]

Personally, I view the red planet as the future site of a prison colony ... and the next installment of Survivor reality game show.

 

[MerakSpielman]

Personally, I view the red planet as the future site of a prison colony ... and the next installment of Survivor reality game show.

I'm not sure about the prison colony... It'd be awfully expensive to ship them there.

Survivor, though, is a real possibility.