Government Scientists & Engineers Do Something Right

[lyman]

What the heck is on Mars to account for the billions of dollars already spent? Now they want to send humans to Mars! That's crazy because a one way trip takes 17 months for the crew.

well, it makes a good movie!



any one else get a chuckle over someone named Major Tom commenting about space exploration?

no offense to you Major,

I read your name, think Bowie, and Life on Mars (excellent song by Bowie) and smile (in a positive way, love that tune)


BTW, completely off topic, BBC has a series called Life on Mars,
it has nothing to do with Space travel, but is an excellent series to watch

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Just over a century ago people were saying mankind had no good reason to fly. Centuries prior science was condemned as the Devil's work. Can't help but wonder if certain cavemen thought the bow was useless when a hefty club could do the trick without breaking strings and having to constantly make arrows.

and of course, the wheel was just a passing fad

[free1954]

man the hunter needs other worlds to ravage. if we want to live forever on earth we have to go back to teepee living savages.

[Johnny P]

There are probably hundreds of small communities across the U.S. that could use a new water or sewer system before going to Mars is more important.

[clintonhater]

There are probably hundreds of small communities across the U.S. that could use a new water or sewer system before going to Mars is more important.

Not probably, indubitably...starting with the one I live in; well-drilling around here STARTS at 5 grand with no guarantees, so I, like many others, make do with the muddy water of a hand dug well. Vast swathes of this rich country are in the same boat. Medical services in rural areas? If an overbooked GP 20 miles away can't handle your problem, better just die. Somebody prating about how wonderful it is to have some new piece of electronic garbage in return for the countless billions shot into space makes me want to puke.

[RED]

Bruce and togor are right. If we colonize Mars we will ruin it. Just like when white people colonized North America, they ruined it.

[Sandpebble]

With respect, so what? Other than a colossal waste of money ... what exactly and precisely does it do for Mr. and Mrs. America? Sincerely. bruce.

Are you saying you disagree with the Presidents push for a new military branch... The Space Force.... ???

[togor]

Not probably, indubitably...starting with the one I live in; well-drilling around here STARTS at 5 grand with no guarantees, so I, like many others, make do with the muddy water of a hand dug well. Vast swathes of this rich country are in the same boat. Medical services in rural areas? If an overbooked GP 20 miles away can't handle your problem, better just die. Somebody prating about how wonderful it is to have some new piece of electronic garbage in return for the countless billions shot into space makes me want to puke.

Sounds like the vibe from the old Marvin Gaye tune "Inner City Blues":

Rockets
Moonshots
Spend It On
The Have-nots
...

The fact that we've erected a civilization with our own hands that allows us to extend our reach to nearby planets is amazing and a source, to some of us, of great pride. It's a false choice to suggest we either have Mars probes or buy everyone in upstate NY a new well.

[dryheat]

Space travel is important and it's cool. Screw the poor.

[JB White]

Space travel is important and it's cool. Screw the poor.

There ya go. That's the way ya do it. It's The American Way!



public disclaimer->*said in jest*

[lyman]

Are you saying you disagree with the Presidents push for a new military branch... The Space Force.... ???

so you are saying there are really stargates and we have a space force already?

[Greyjoy]

Its time to take over Mars and call it ours, HAHAHAHAHAH