The Case for Mars: Necessity or Nostalgia?

Dreaming of the red planet has long been a fascination for humanity. From Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey to the real-life footage of the Mars rovers, Mars has captured the public’s imagination. But should humanity send people to Mars considering our current technological and societal conditions? This article delves into both the arguments for and against the human mission to Mars.

Exploration as a Human Trait

As mentioned, humans have an innate curiosity and a history of exploration. Since the days of Columbus and the Age of Exploration, humanity has ventured into unknown territories in the name of discovery. In fact, history is replete with examples of explorers embarking on perilous journeys without clear necessity. Why? Because it’s in our DNA to explore and discover.

“We humans are explorers! We’ll go whether we ‘need’ to or not.”

Scientific and Humanitarian Purposes

While the primary motivation for space exploration may stem from human curiosity, there are compelling scientific and humanitarian reasons to send people to Mars. A mission to Mars can serve as a backup plan in case Earth becomes unlivable due to global warming, nuclear war, or any other catastrophic event. Moreover, Mars holds the potential to reveal answers about the origins of life and the universe itself.

“We need to go to Mars for science and humanity. We need a Plan B in case Earth is unlivable in the future.”

Economic and Technological Opportunities

In addition to scientific benefits, the push towards Mars exploration can generate significant economic and technological advancements. The challenges of sending humans to Mars would necessitate the development of new technologies and techniques, innovation that could transform various industries. The space shuttle program, for example, led to the creation of non-stick frying pans, among other innovations.

“All we know how to do in today’s world is model that which the people actually did in 1969. We can have much better video and communication and all things computer. But because of a much more careful and risk-averse culture, we can’t repeat the deed.”

The Current Challenges

Despite the potential benefits, there are significant challenges to sending humans to Mars today. These challenges are not only technological but also cultural and socio-political. The world is more risk-averse today, with a strong emphasis on safety and bureaucracy. This culture has led to a careful and cautious approach to space missions, which may hamper the bold and daring efforts required for a successful Mars mission. Furthermore, modern society is often distracted by a myriad of social and political issues, making it challenging to focus on a unified mission to Mars.

“We are too sophisticated today. The bold fearless risk-takers who came out of the Great Depression and WWII are not available to do the dangerous mission. Bureaucrats run things now. We are too busy making sure that there is a proper mix of alternative people to go to Mars.”

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

While there are valid arguments both for and against sending humans to Mars, a balanced approach might be the best way forward. Instead of framing the mission purely through a strict “need” lens, it could be framed as an ambitious, innovative endeavor with both strategic and symbolic value. By combining scientific curiosity with practical benefits, and a recognition of the socio-cultural context, the human mission to Mars could still be a worthwhile pursuit. After all, as one commentator put it, ‘why not? We’d go in the blink of an eye if we had the opportunity.’