Mars – Should we settle or just visit? By: Megan Bailey 12J
You might think that The Race to Mars is topic for the future, but think again. It is taking place right now. There is some controversy towards this Race to Mars, as some believe that it is a planet that people could live on, whereas others believe that we should only visit it. Both, living on Mars, and visiting Mars have various advantages and disadvantages. The real question is: which one would benefit science, and humanity the most?
Stephen Hawking once said, “I don't think the human race will survive the next thousand years, unless we spread into space.” Overpopulation is an enormous issue in the world today. We have exceeded our carrying capacity by far, and are now using up all of our resources available. Humans are greedy. We want more than what we need, and thus use up everything we have. The way that mankind is living now, will ensure that our species becomes extinct soon. Living on another planet, like Mars, could ensure the survival and success of the human race, as it is a viable solution to the overpopulation on Earth, as well as the loss of resources.
Living on Mars, will benefit science, in that scientists may end up discovering life on
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These are disadvantages to both living on, and visiting Mars. Phil Plait, an astronomer, said, “On a trip to Mars, which will take six months or more, you need something roomier [than the space shuttle.]” The equipment needed to send people to Mars, is very expensive. The trip there is going to be very crowded, and very long. Space shuttles are generally small, and people travelling to Mars would have to share a confined space with many others, for about six months. Human nature will cause people to eventually get irritated with each other, which will make the trip there much longer. People may end up losing hope on the trip there, and get discouraged. This could result in the failure of the