Extreme Seesaw

The snippet quoted above is flawed. There are probably thousands if not millions of people in Western civilization who would jump at the chance to take a one-way trip to Mars, either alone or en masse. The problem is that the over-achievers given preferential treatment by NASA and its ilk thrive on public recognition.

If there was a program that provided a one way ticket to Mars (or anywhere else for that matter) and the necessary equipment to make an honest attempt at survival, I'd jump at it.

It would be nice to bed down beneath unknown stars just once in my life.

i would go if i could still access the internet. :-/

you would probably go crazy from the loneliness...

Send a homeschooled kid. No one would miss them.

I'm in. Sign me up. (I'm totally serious, but my wife may have veto power over that decision!)

It wasn't that long ago that missionaries en route to Africa or wherever would pack their belongings in a coffin, knowing their remains would either return in that same coffin or be buried where they died. Granted, their mission was a bit different than any would be Mars traveller, but the drive to pioneer is pretty strong, no matter the mission.

I wouldn't mind going if it was with folks I could stand living with, Hell, the best idea would be to send couples who could stand each other for long periods while doing scientific work and adding to the growth of the colony. Hell, if we could do that we could even drop off folks and supplies in a one way only method. I'd so volunteer to do this. Have my name go down in history for being among the first humans to colonize the surrounding planets.

You still can't breath on mars...

The only roadblock to any type of Mars mission is MONEY.

Most (all) of the engineering and technology is already available for a two-way trip.

But if it had to be a one way trip, I volunteer Chaney or Bush or both (but preferably the destination should be Pluto just to be safe).

I'd go, even with high risk. Article WRONG.

When JFK said let's put a man on the moon, we did it in 10 years. It used to be a dream on mine to walk on Mars. I figured out long ago it would never happen.

Let's put it this way: If the guys running NASA were in charge of the western expansion following the Louisiana Purchase, we'd still be on the east side of the Mississippi.

I think this is cool and all, but why ruin another planet, when we are already ruining ours?

I disagree I'd jump to Mars in a split second. >=(

I think that as far as history goes, the disenfranchised who took the risks weren't doing it because they wanted to, it was the only option they had.

I've thought for years that I'd take that step and go to Mars, the moon or wherever given the chance.

@Pudifoot: It's do-able if you don't mind a ping of 516000~4410000 (8.6~42 minutes).

I hope you're the patient type.

I disagree too. I don't mind sending anybody over there ;)

After watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind back in the day, my friends and I had many long and serious debates as to whether we would get on the UFO or not. We might end up learning the secrets of the universe. We might end up as pet food. No way to know. Split second decision.

We all pretty much decided we would go for it.

I'm a pretty solitary man. If I thought my sacrifice would pave the way for the future, I'd do it. Spend my last days in a nursing home or spend them seeing things no one has ever seen before? There is no question.

Id go

@ The Mutt

Oh, I agree whole-heartedly! I've also debated the finer points of being abducted would I go and see the Universe or would I scream like a maniac and make a mad dash for the exits. Also, being a pretty solitary guy I would also think I could use my life for better things like paving the road to Space. You put it quite eloquently! :)

La eticidad de este acto pertenece exclusivamente a los lenguajes internos del individuo que se sienta capaz de realizar tal azaña. A nadie más. Estos lenguajes pueden orientarlo hacia una vía de escape de estas características y lograr un bien personal y un objetivo científico, entre otras cosas. Puede ser un gran salto para un individuo insertado en una humanidad desnaturalizada y en un mundo reencantado por nuestra imaginación colectiva. ¿Acaso nadie prefiere morir en su mundo antes que vivir padeciéndolo? Éste será un explorador y habitante potencial de nuevos mundos. Un "dasein" dentro de un nuevo concepto de "estar arrojado en el cosmos".

If Clinton becomes president I'm sooo moving to Mars!!!!

What the hell does a psychologist from Springfield Illinois know anyways? Has she seen all the homeless and displaced people around the US? What about all the Cultists who all want to get off this planet, such as the Christians? Why can't we send a whole pack of dumb Christians who all believe in this god being and send them packing with a whole load of Muslims and Latter Day Saint morons so they can argue as to who owns space?
In fact, if we sent all the religious freaks off this planet, the more peaceful this planet will be.

Anthony - you're freaking hysterical.

I personally nominate TT for the first ship

Thousands of starving people from third world countries would probably volunteer for this.