Difference between revisions of "Motivation"
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| − | Many people like to read and watch science fiction about space travel, | + | Many people like to read and watch science fiction about space travel, especially to [[Mars]], the most habitable planet in our [[solar system]] next to [[Earth]]. But what is the '''motivation''' to really get there, to make the dream come true? This page wants to collect reasons and shall help to find possibilities to encourage more people to spend part of their lives for the realization of a [[settlement]] on Mars. |
==Pioneering spirit== | ==Pioneering spirit== | ||
| − | Mankind has always bred pioneers to face the challenge of new land. The human race has an inherent property to reach for new settlement space and build their houses on the edge and beyond. This impulse | + | Mankind has always bred pioneers to face the challenge of new land. The human race has an inherent property to reach for new settlement space and build their houses on the edge and beyond. This impulse rules any financial concerns out. |
==Scientific== | ==Scientific== | ||
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Currently mankind is living solely on Earth and is completely dependent on its fragile habitability. A number of possible events can bring mankind to the edge of extinction. A fatal epidemic plague of a virus with the combined characteristics of both ebola and influenza or the deep impact of a large [[asteroid]] may wipe the human race off the planet. But in such critical situation mankind would survive on other planets, because the occurrence of such events at the same time on two planets is extremely unlikely. | Currently mankind is living solely on Earth and is completely dependent on its fragile habitability. A number of possible events can bring mankind to the edge of extinction. A fatal epidemic plague of a virus with the combined characteristics of both ebola and influenza or the deep impact of a large [[asteroid]] may wipe the human race off the planet. But in such critical situation mankind would survive on other planets, because the occurrence of such events at the same time on two planets is extremely unlikely. | ||
| − | ==Political | + | ==Political reasons== |
The three nations with human space access USA, Russia and China are interested to be the first permanent dwellers on the near cosmic bodies. The political heads aim to carve out territories. The first dwellers will have the best chance to get a big piece of land. For fear of going away empty-handed while other nations occupy the Moon and the planets drives the government to support the effort. | The three nations with human space access USA, Russia and China are interested to be the first permanent dwellers on the near cosmic bodies. The political heads aim to carve out territories. The first dwellers will have the best chance to get a big piece of land. For fear of going away empty-handed while other nations occupy the Moon and the planets drives the government to support the effort. | ||
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*What is known about the willingness of people to spend money for space trips? | *What is known about the willingness of people to spend money for space trips? | ||
*Is there any financial calculation about a manned one-way mission to Mars? | *Is there any financial calculation about a manned one-way mission to Mars? | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | *[[What settlers would miss]] | ||
[[Category:Concepts]] | [[Category:Concepts]] | ||
[[Category:Human Considerations]] | [[Category:Human Considerations]] | ||
Revision as of 07:41, 16 August 2008
Many people like to read and watch science fiction about space travel, especially to Mars, the most habitable planet in our solar system next to Earth. But what is the motivation to really get there, to make the dream come true? This page wants to collect reasons and shall help to find possibilities to encourage more people to spend part of their lives for the realization of a settlement on Mars.
Contents
Pioneering spirit
Mankind has always bred pioneers to face the challenge of new land. The human race has an inherent property to reach for new settlement space and build their houses on the edge and beyond. This impulse rules any financial concerns out.
Scientific
A manned mission may perform more scientific results compared with remote controlled rovers.
Survival of mankind
Currently mankind is living solely on Earth and is completely dependent on its fragile habitability. A number of possible events can bring mankind to the edge of extinction. A fatal epidemic plague of a virus with the combined characteristics of both ebola and influenza or the deep impact of a large asteroid may wipe the human race off the planet. But in such critical situation mankind would survive on other planets, because the occurrence of such events at the same time on two planets is extremely unlikely.
Political reasons
The three nations with human space access USA, Russia and China are interested to be the first permanent dwellers on the near cosmic bodies. The political heads aim to carve out territories. The first dwellers will have the best chance to get a big piece of land. For fear of going away empty-handed while other nations occupy the Moon and the planets drives the government to support the effort.
Profit-making
Tourism can be a mighty business. Rich people already spent several million dollars for a week in near-Earth orbit, which is thrilling enough to begin with. A trip to the Moon or even to Mars is even more exciting. A manned one-way mission to Mars might be a business model.
Open issues
- What is known about the willingness of people to spend money for space trips?
- Is there any financial calculation about a manned one-way mission to Mars?
