Hi all;
If trashing the US means that you can't disagree with US p0olicies,
then go . I feel that a manned expedition to Mars is in the best
interest of the US and the world ! The proposed expenditures for more
military reflect the shortsighted policies of the current White House.
WHAT would it cost over ten years for a manned mission to Mars ??
About 15 % of one years spending on the military. I was in that
military during the Vietnam fiasco and I know how money is pissed
away. ( Nam Era veteran:me)
The US needs to show leadership and vision that a Mars mission
would reflect. Even small amounts of money would allow the empty
shuttle external tanks to be placed on a trans mars orbit. More or
less along the lines proposed by Buzz Aldrin . With resourceful
refitting, the tanks could become forward infrastructure on Diemos
and Phobos .
Probably , it'll take the emergence of China and Japan as orbital
competitors to get the goofs we have as presidents to see that space
is the future area/arena of competition.
The plans of Japan's industry are clear and well researched for
Lunar habitats and activities! What will we be doing in the meantime ?
Probably what we're doing at the moment : sitting on our hand with
lackluster leaders as president and the idiot savants of Congress .
Educational fundingshould include money for space related contests
which could enhance ideas/concepts for orbital and Mars missions.
Will we see any of that from Congress or the White House ?
Steve S.
PS> I read that the Russians have proposed a Mars <ission aboit
2015. That is a chance we shouldn't pass up !