• Question: would you be interested in going on the one way manned-mission to mars?

    Asked by saoirsekelly to Neil, Jess on 7 Mar 2014.
    • Photo: Neil Bowles

      Neil Bowles answered on 7 Mar 2014:

      Not really, I think sample return is actually really important for understanding Mars in more detail, so I’d want to bring the rocks back!

    • Photo: Jessica Marshall

      Jessica Marshall answered on 10 Mar 2014:

      Although I think it would be an amazing adventure, I don’t think I would sign up for this. If we really wanted to build a colony on Mars then we need to do a lot more research and development first, which includes sending more robots there to explore. We also need to get to know how to bring things (and people) back – I think that this will be possible so I don’t think we need to send people on a one-way mission.

Comments

  • Photo: Aron

    Aron commented on :

    No, that is what robots are for.
    It is likely that such a mission would be for fame rather than science. When we go to Mars it should be part of a long term plan of returning samples, establishing a base, starting a colony and finally having a regular shuttle service between Earth and Mars. Only then would I buy a one-way ticket and only if it is cheaper than the return.