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I'm sure we are all aware that there are only about a half-dozen more space shuttle flights scheduled, after which the U.S. will have no man-in-space capability. We already rely on the Russians for much of the transport to and from the space station.

And Mars! One does not have to look far at all to discover that it is, using any known technology, impossible to get humans to Mars and back in one piece. Bone degeneration being one of the more serious problems. Mental degeneration being not allowed for discussion. The risk equation not working out another problem.

Robots.

by asdf on Sun Jul 19th, 2009 at 09:28:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Any usable modern technology.  The main objections to an Orion Drive are not its unfeasability, but the criminal insanity required to actually use one for Earth lift-off.

And again, robots are great for scientific exploration, but don't put people on Mars, and if your goal is to put people on Mars, then sending robots there will only help so much.

An argument for a one-way mission, I suppose.

by Zwackus on Mon Jul 20th, 2009 at 08:34:43 AM EST
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