Would YOU volunteer for a mission to Mars if you knew you would not return?

Nathan Natas

One possible scenario for future manned exploration of Mars is that the astronauts would be given what amounts to a "one-way ticket" with enough fuel and supplies to get them there and keep them alive but with NO plans to return them to earth.

This may strike our modern sinsibilities as an absurd requirement for a mission, and yet it is not much different from what prospect was faced by ocean voyagers during the "age of exploration" right here on earth.

Comments? If you were able to qualify, would you be willing to do this?

tec

If I didn't have family (like as in a spouse and children or other dependents), yeah I would.

I mean, as long as the 'no plans to return them' wasn't based on greed and higher ups thinking that ordinary people are expendable. But if that was how it had to be, at least to start, again... yeah I would!

Everybody dies. It is how you live that is important.

Peace,

tammy

tec

Should clarify:

Not that it means they're gonna die. Just that the fear of it or something going wrong that was not planned on, would not stop me.

Peace,

tammy

cedars

That's a great question. If I was a highly qualified scientist who could be guaranteed meaningful work out there that would expand our knowledge of the universe, I think I would do it.

Another precondition might be age-related. I think I would want to be relatively advanced in years, and have "been there, done that" before I left. That way, I could never say I didn't experience the thrill of living on this planet while I had the chance.

Cedars

rip van winkle

Please. There are already enough JW's living on the planet Mars!!!

Nathan Natas

Tanny said, " Everybody dies. It is how you live that is important."

Well said, Tammy!

NeonMadman

So the idea is that they would have enough supplies to live out their normal life spans on Mars? Or is it assumed they would run out of oxygen or food after a very specific time and would simply die? Is the plan to start some sort of colony there? I'm not sure I understand the intent of such a program.

St George of England

Depends on who flies out with you!

George

NOLAW

No. It won't be an easy trip nor will they have the luxuries we enjoy here on earth. If I was younger it would be worth considering. Not being able to come back wouldn't be a big issue for me, even though this will not be the case with the first visitors of Mars.

talesin

Only if I could give daily Tarot readings to world leaders via TelSat.

;)

Would YOU volunteer for a mission to Mars if you knew you would not return?

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