Replies

I'm speaking as a professional astronomer on this topic. Space exploration is best done with machines. Near earth orbit offers some opportunities for low-G research where direct human interaction might be desired, but most scientists disagree. Intelligent machines are much better at exploration and can be made to last for many generations with the appropriate fuel source. Everything outside of our solar system is inaccessable to humans because of distance and the danger of space environment. Sorry to break that news to you, but Star Trek is pure science fiction and we will never travel outside of our own solar system. Within the solar system, exploration of Mars would be interesting from the point of understanding how the geology evolved, but in terms of a Mars colony, it is not practical. Mars cannot maintain an atmospheric pressure suitable for human life because the atmosphere would outgas into space. If China did decide to try to colonize Mars, they would be essentially wasting their time. It would be a remarkable feat, but that is all. There is no logical reason to colonize the moon either when a space station is far more practical and flexible. The dangers of solar radiation are very real and US astronauts were very fortunate to have explored during quiescent periods of solar activity, and thereby survive.

Well guess what there are dangers here on Earth. We will overcome the dangers of Human space travel. I think people who supports robots only are either wimps or rats.

We know all that, having been subjected to Sagan for years. Nevertheless, we are not in space for science. We intend to utilize the resources of outer space for the expansion of civilization into the solar system. Of course, robots have their use in exploration.