bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

https://www.astronomy.com/science/why-havent-humans-reached-mars/

Our neighboring planet is tantalizingly close, so what's the big hold up?

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gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

I read that it has to do with Solar Radiation that harms human DNA

RiJoRi Loc: Sandy Ridge, NC

I remember when folks were hollering 'bout how much space flight – especially to the Moon – cost. "Think of how many people all that money could help!" And Congress, listening to the people who put them in office, cut back funding for NASA.

Any way, without Dejah Thoris, Mars is a pretty dull place.

--Rich

pendennis

Is there something to be gained from manned exploration of Mars, other than being able to we (mankind) did it.

We gather huge amounts of data from probes. It would also be cheaper to do larger geological digs via robots.

The trip to Mars, it seems would be very dangerous. Once outside the earth/lunar "sphere", we don't have a lot of knowledge about how a ship/capsule would handle the inter-Martian transit. How susceptible for meteor/particle attacks on the ship's surface skin? And I'm sure there area million questions yet to be asked and answered in regards to the technology and back-ups required.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Wait a while.

For centuries, man was limited in ocean travel to places he knew or could see the coastline.* When navigation tools became available man started to explore. And a lot of people died in the process. And we have recently seen the consequences of exploration of the depths of the oceans.

It was only 66 years ago that man was able to put something into orbit around the earth. Why do we need to hurry?

Also, the phrase 'neighboring planet' does not use the word 'neighboring' the way we're used to.




* Pacific Islanders did not have advanced navigational technology but they had maps of spaces between small, widely separated islands and a way to navigate using wave patterns in the open ocean. Birds provided clues to the distance to land even when it wasn't visible from a canoe.

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Mostly lack of money and a national lack of interest prevent Mars trips when climate change, possible world war, daily mass shootings, pandemics, increasing poverty and other potential disasters occupy our lives.

Then there are the technical issues like too much radiation, the amount of consumables needed and the effects of long term weightlessness for a 6- to 9-month journey that must be overcome.

On the other hand we're desperate to know if Mars harbors non-Earth life (which could mean life is common elsewhere in the universe) and so far, robotic landers have been unable to prove it, either way. I'd bet that a few humans landing in the right spot could easily answer this question.

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

They talk about space travel like it's just a matter of time, well it is. 300,000 years to a planet that is only 25 light years away. Mars, just a hop, skip and a jump away 😄😄😄

Canisdirus

Mars is the shiny object to get funding...we are going to the moon first...and that won't get the folks on board...we've done that.

So...Mars is held out...nice and bright...and...we go to the Moon.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

There is ONE really critical "item" that MUST be developed before we attempt a trip to "somewhere off-Earth:" We need a really good killing weapon! And, AR-15's or "Thoughts and Prayers" are NOT the answers! The basic reason is:WHEN we discover alien life-forms (And, there is no doubt that THEY are out there!), we're gonna hafta kill'em! Because they are gonna want to eat us! Or, haven't y'all been reading the National Enquirer; or, watching The Movies outta Hollywood?!!

lbrande

But, Kantos Kahn would disagree.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Elon Musk is crazy enough to get us there. That heavy launcher monster that he's playing with now just blows my mind.

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

Not sure why anyone would want to go to Mars, but my view might have something to do with the fact I live in Colorado. Sure a whole lot less to consider just sending robots, plus they're not as concerned if it turns out to be a one way trip.

lbrande

This comment from the movie Interstellar sums it up perfectly:

“We've always defined ourselves by the ability to overcome the impossible. And we count these moments. These moments when we dare to aim higher, to break barriers, to reach for the stars, to make the unknown known. We count these moments as our proudest achievements. But we lost all that. Or perhaps we've just forgotten that we are still pioneers. And we've barely begun. And that our greatest accomplishments cannot be behind us, because our destiny lies above us.”

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

I like like that quote, no argument there, although I suppose they are using "impossible" not in the literal sense more in the "seemingly impossible" sence, because impossible is impossible unless we've change the meaning of that word too. However, I stand by my view, I'd rather be in Colorado, or at least the mountains than on Mars. Don't take my comment too serious as my humor apparently doesn't come through. But you're right, national challenges can pull people together for a common purpose and inspire future generations.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Ya know - I Dunno.
As a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. I even got an advanced degree in engineering, then went off to medical school (got initial qualification as a flight surgeon in my 4th year - and was one x 26 years). BUT - with all the info about what happens in space - bone demineralization, middle ear endolymph shifts, muscle wasting, fluid shifts, and the 50% incidence of space motion sickness (can go on for days - NOT pleasant!) I came to the realization that space was Gods No-Fly Zone. I don't think we'll find anything of human value on the moon - we haven't so far. And Mars? I think that will be a 1-way trip (and unless the spacecraft is able to maintain at least 0.7G both ways - it will take those astronauts years to regain strength and agility on earth. More likely they will become permanent residents on the Moon colony. Even if Mars was plated with Gold, or even Unobtanium, just HOW would you get THAT back to Earth in any way that would ameliorate the cost?
Now - I'll grant you - there were MANY technological spin-offs of the early spaceflight missions that benefited mankind (Tang was NOT one of them). Going to Mars - it's just because it's there. And unless we do manage to capture Nuclear Fusion in a bottle AND there are massive amounts of H3 on the Moon - we probably don't need to go back there either.