One Way Trip to Mars.

[TexasMexican]

link

I found this story over at slashdot.

Personally I think this the way we should do it.

We can get more done by not having to worry about brining them back anytime soon. Instead of launching multiple groups of people too and from we could launch fewer and then just keep sending them supplies instead of new people.

Later when people get bored of seeing Mars then we wont be able to cut off funding because we have people there. So we will be forced to stick it through and build a full base there.

[Silverhair]

1. Why? Wait a few decades and we can sent intelligent robots.

What's the hurry? Mars isn't going away, it will be there.

[TexasMexican]

2. Sentient Robots?

Sending robots with AI to Mars still wouldnt put a perminent human presence there.

[Don_G]

9. Why Use Valuable Robots?

Catch a few Illegal Aliens and draft their keysters into NASA instead of the US Army.

If nothing else, it would be an "American" enterprise with an international NAFTA flavor.

[TexasMexican]

11. Dont give them any ideas.

I'm sure they could find some illegals that would be willing to go to Mars for a decent paycheck for thier families.

[banana republican]

12. artificial intelligence; when the real thing won't do....

[Carl21014]

3. I like it!

As a former Submarine Sailor I know it comes down to water. If you can find water you can split the H2O into oxygen for breathing and and Hydrogen for fuel. Plus you can drink it. If you can't find water, I just don't see how you make the logistics work.

O2 generators that split the hygrogen from oxygen are about the size of a refrigerator.

[TheDalaiMama]

4. good idea if shrub goes first....and he has to stay until the project is

complete. That should take care of him for a while.

dalai

[Cannikin]

5. Just another place to search for weapons of mass destruction.

[buycitgo]

13. thanks for reminding me!

these are actual letters from today's largely wingnut Chicago Tribune:

I believe that President George W. Bush's planned initiative of a manned space flight to Mars is an excellent idea.

I have only two questions.
How soon can it be ready to go?
And can they take Bush with them?

and this

I am all for spending the billions of dollars (which we don't have) on sending a man to Mars--only if his name happens to be George W. Bush.

and this

You must give President George Bush credit for announcing a planned mission to the moon and possibly to Mars.

After all, he did say that his administration would leave no stone unturned in his search for those weapons of mass destruction.

there were nine letters today; all on the white space elephant, all of them critical of the junta in one way or another

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/

use "salon" then "tabletalk" if they make you register

[oneighty]

10. Power?

What was the power source for cracking water? How was carbon dioxide absorbed/scrubbed?

180

[Ksec]

6. I say we ship Buck Rogers to Mars

Hes the brainstorm behind this nutty project. If repubs take this project NASA will become a military deal doing nothing but making new weapons

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

7. May I suggest the first volunteer?

First in war, first to Mars. Save America, send President Moonbase.

[Skittles]

8. I know who I'd like to f***ing send to Mars

and I would give up my life savings to contribute to the cost.