Humans on Mars? Forget it

LA Times ^ | 04/26/10 | Simon Ramo

[KevinDavis]

Nearly half a century ago, we sent men to the moon because we had to stop the world from thinking that the Soviet Union, having put a man in orbit, had surpassed the United States in science and technology. When Americans walked on the moon, we were back in first place, with the Russians keeping the lead in ballet, caviar and vodka. So we halted continued moon landings.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Lewis and Clark?"

Yep, funded by the Federal Government.

[MikefromOhio]

Mars is a lifeless rock. It has no value at all. God “created the heavens and the Earth” . Not the “Heavens and Mars” for his likeness to occupy and have dominion. We have no money to blow looking for water on this red hot planet (240 degrees F).

Except we have already found water AND your temperature profiles are so far off the mark that it's hilarious you even posted it.

http://www-k12.atmos.washington.edu/k12/resources/mars_data-information/temperature_overview.html

What we need to do is close our borders and stop printing money.

And that has exactly what to do with this thread? So you're saying we should stop doing EVERYTHING else and just stop printing money and close the borders? ROFL - hey look the KNOW-NOTHINGS have returned!!!!

[Captain Kirk]

Hey, if you want to privately raise money for Mars exploration, nothing is stopping you. I might even chip in. Just keep your hands out of the pockets of the unwilling. That’s the perfect compromise, IMHO.

[MikefromOhio]

sniff sniff....

[Grizzled Bear]

Mike,

He’s a troll posing as an “Archie Bunker” style Christian. Oh, since you pointed out his falacy he’s going to call you an athiest and tell you that you’ll most likely go to hell.

I also have it on good authority that he’s unable to pour piss out of a boot without instructions on the heel.

Aint he fun???!!!

[MikefromOhio]

Hey, if you want to privately raise money for Mars exploration, nothing is stopping you. I might even chip in. Just keep your hands out of the pockets of the unwilling. That’s the perfect compromise, IMHO.

That wasn't and isn't my point and his ignorance is all over the net for everyone to see now (look at the rest of his posts in this thread).....

Beyond that, there are both scientific and military applications to be considered. If you don't think the Chinese, the Russians and possibly eventually the Iranians won't look at space as a possible area of advantage, you're kidding yourself.

[Mad Dawgg]

"And why not robotic exploration of the moon? If robotics were to advance to the point of fulfilling the most modest popular expectations, they could prepare a habitable moon base."

Yes! In fact I watched a doc on the science channel not so long ago about setting up a robotic mission to Mars that had a human habitat on it as well. The Robot would go about gathering resources to make fuel to load into the fuel processor for the return trip of the later manned mission.

It would be awesome to test the tech on the moon first even if the stuff needed for fueling the rocket wasn't on the moon in the quantities needed like it supposed to be for Mars. You could still test the mechanics and the telemetry and such.

[little jeremiah]

I noticed that when I first saw him posting; maybe a few weeks ago or so.

He had this “I’m a fake trying to make conservatives look like kook extremists” vibe.

[MikefromOhio]

He’s a troll posing as an “Archie Bunker” style Christian. Oh, since you pointed out his falacy he’s going to call you an athiest and tell you that you’ll most likely go to hell.

I noticed. The problem is there is a group of the same type of poster here at FR that might ride to his aid at some point.

As for being condemned to hell, well, oh well I guess. Judge not, that ye be not judged {Matthew 7:1)

I've always come to the conclusion that if God didn't want His creation explored by those He created, man would have never discovered the knowledge of flight and space flight at that.

I also have it on good authority that he’s unable to pour piss out of a boot without instructions on the heel.

Aint he fun???!!!

Only if he responds LOL

[Grizzled Bear]

He had this “I’m a fake trying to make conservatives look like kook extremists” vibe.

He said I'm likely going to hell; but I don't think God is this hard-up for a prophet. Then again, God once spoke to Balaam through his jack-ass...

Well, I'm justified by Jesus' blood. That's got to count for more than the word of a barely literate internet troll.

[Grizzled Bear]

I noticed. The problem is there is a group of the same type of poster here at FR that might ride to his aid at some point.

To be honest, I tend to be harder on fellow Christians; I'm especially hard on those who spout lies and deceptions.

If I go after an evo, it's usually to do with dishonest arguments (i.e., Alinsky tactics and hypocrisy).

I once got into a "debate" with ColdWater. We walked away on friendly terms; we both had our stitches removed last week.

;-)

[Captain Kirk]

Beyond that, there are both scientific and military applications to be considered. If you don't think the Chinese, the Russians and possibly eventually the Iranians won't look at space as a possible area of advantage, you're kidding yourself.

Of history is a guide, you're "kidding yourself." They've had decades to launch a Mars exploration boondogle and haven't done it. Maybe they're too smart to throw their money down a bottomless rathole. Then again, its a free country. Why not gGt off your duff and raise the money!? I'll even pledge to chip in.

[Grizzled Bear]

They've had decades to launch a Mars exploration boondogle and haven't done it. Maybe they're too smart to throw their money down a bottomless rathole.

It seems a bit odd that a FReeper with the moniker "Captain Kirk" would speak out against space exploration.

What's the deal, did you just take the name so you could score with green chicks?

[DesScorp]

He’s right, at least partially. Man to Mars is basically un-doable right now. The mammoth cost isn’t even the main issue. It’s the technology. There’s simply no way to get there quickly and back.

[garjog]

“doubtful that an astronaut could accomplish something useful on Mars not already being done by robots at far less cost and with little danger to humans.”

Well, what about robot avatars permitting humans to experience walking on Mars without going there?

Also, it would be aesthetically appealing to visit Mars, whether in person or via an avatar.

Look:

[RJR_fan]

It’s obvious that God intends for us to settle Mars — after all, their day is only 37 minutes longer than ours. It’s obvious God intends us to settle Venus. It’s the closest earth-like environment “out there” — about one atmosphere of pressure and a temperate climate (if you are 30 miles above the surface ... )

See my tagline.

[Grizzled Bear]

It’s obvious God intends us to settle Venus. It’s the closest earth-like environment “out there” — about one atmosphere of pressure and a temperate climate (if you are 30 miles above the surface ... )

YMBSM! The atmosphere of Venus is extremely hot, above the melting point of lead. If you somehow survived the heat, the atmospheric pressure would crush you!

Once you get past the heat and air pressure, you have to deal with thick clouds of sulfuric acid that cover the entire planet.

Yeah, that's pretty damned close to earth's atmosphere! In fact, this sounds like the perfect place for you and roger to set up house!

[RJR_fan]

The atmosphere of Venus at the surface is all you say. However, a properly-sized and ballasted acid-resistant glass bubble with an earth-normal atmosphere inside would float in the denser CO2 atmosphere of Venus 30 miles / 50 km above that hellish surface in regal comfort. Maybe do "gas mining?"

[Lurker]

So I’ll make sure my future generations go to space...

Fine. Do it on your dime, not mine.

[Grizzled Bear]

You’re right. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m thinking along the lines of ships at sea. If, for some reason, a ship is damaged and takes on water, the passengers will get wet. With a glass sphere floating through acidic clouds...let’s not go there.

on the other hand, the imagery would make for one hell of a heavy metal video!