40 Years Later: On To Mars!

I believe that manned space exploration is essential.  There I have said it.  Not irrational, not an expensive gimmick, but essential.  Why?  Some day, leaving Earth may be the only way the human species can go on.  Let’s hope that’s not the case, but hope is no substitute for preparation.  Species go extinct all the time as their habitat changes dramatically or disappears altogether (these days often due to human impact), but we are the only species that  can pro-actively explore new habitats. 

The objection that money spent on manned space exploration would be better spent on protecting the Earth is flawed.  This is not an either or decision.  There are many other things we could cut if we really had to and the sums involved are small compared to those in the financial bailout that is just taking place.

There is also the objection that space exploration would make us appreciate Earth less.  That has always struck me as odd.  Is there anyone not moved by pictures of Earth from Space?  My own appreciation for how marvelous the human brain is has only been increased by our attempts to create machine intelligence.  Similarly, our struggles and certain setbacks in space exploration would likely highlight just how amazing a place Earth is.

Then there are the objections that space exploration is simply impossible due to the vast distances and technical/physical problems such as shielding.  But nobody (in their right mind) is suggesting that we immediately try to travel beyond our solar system.  Mars, however, seems eminently within reach.  We have also been making amazing progress in manufacturing technologies (e.g., 3D printing) that make it easier to “live off the land” once we get there.  Mars with its lower gravity would make a great basecamp for further expeditions once we figure out how to have a permanent base there.

So 40 years after astronauts stepped on the moon – let’s boldly go where no human has gone before.  On to Mars!