Mars - what should we do when we get there?

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2003-01-30 04:42pm

Guess which book I've been reading!!

Basically, when the first colonists arrive on Mars, should their priorities be to study Mars as it is, or work on adjusting the atmosphere and establishing a biosphere to make it more suitable for humans?

I narrow this down to a 'science for the sake of science' vs 'technology to enhance life' argument

Alex Moon · Post by **Alex Moon** » 2003-01-30 04:44pm

Study it while building structures to house the next colonsts. We can terraform it once we're more established there.

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2003-01-30 04:46pm

innerbrat wrote:Mars - what should we do when we get there?

Tell Venus to fuck off.

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2003-01-30 04:53pm

Alex Moon wrote:Study it while building structures to house the next colonsts. We can terraform it once we're more established there.

Don't forget we're talking an entire planet here. It would take more than a few lifetimes to be completely studied.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-01-30 04:55pm

Declare war.

Post by **Mr Bean** » 2003-01-30 04:57pm

Mine the hell out of it to get ready to build our Station in that Death star look-alike moon

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2003-01-30 04:57pm

Drill for oil.

Post by **NecronLord** » 2003-01-30 04:58pm

Why should we leave it?

There is not evidence of any life there. The wilderness is what exacty? I has some facinating geology, but to realistically raise the tempreture of the planet enough to melt the icecaps via the relese of CFCs will take at least a hundred years. More than enough time to poke around for interesting stuff. Frankly the wilderness has little relevence from a moral perspective, unless there is life there, or something unique that would be worth preserving, why not, especially considering the increase in the chances of survival for our species.

Alex Moon · Post by **Alex Moon** » 2003-01-30 05:00pm

innerbrat wrote:
Alex Moon wrote:Study it while building structures to house the next colonsts. We can terraform it once we're more established there.
Don't forget we're talking an entire planet here. It would take more than a few lifetimes to be completely studied.

And it will take a very long time to terraform it, so why not wait a few decades to please the evirowackos that will inevitably complain.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2003-01-30 05:17pm

innerbrat wrote:Guess which book I've been reading!!

The Mars Trilogy?

innerbrat wrote:Basically, when the first colonists arrive on Mars, should their priorities be to study Mars as it is, or work on adjusting the atmosphere and establishing a biosphere to make it more suitable for humans?

I think they should begin paving the way for colonists. It'll take long enough that they'll have plenty of time to poke around before there's any change worth considering. Any climatic change will take a long time, it's not an eye blink thing.

The Dark · Post by **The Dark** » 2003-01-30 05:19pm

Erect biospheres and hydroponic farms to begin creating a self-sustainable colony, allow emission of CFCs to increase atmospheric pressure and temperature. While the barren rock might appeal to some people, easing population pressures in the long run is more important, IMHO.

Post by **Colonel Olrik** » 2003-01-30 05:46pm

Hrruummm..

This planet now belongs to EARTH.

*Unfolds Earth Federation Flag*

And

*Starts erradicating any possible marcians, there's no place for them in my future EMPIRE*

Stravo · Post by **Stravo** » 2003-01-30 05:48pm

First things first: PLANT THE AMERICAN FLAG

Post by **Colonel Olrik** » 2003-01-30 05:51pm

Stravo wrote:First things first: PLANT THE AMERICAN FLAG

Not if we get there first!

*Rushes to ESA headquarters*

You dumbfucks, stop playing with your ARIANNES! I want NUCLEAR propulsionated warships, NOW!

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2003-01-30 05:58pm

BOW BEFORE THE TERRAN EMPIRE!

kheegster · Post by **kheegster** » 2003-01-30 07:21pm

Ahem...any terraforming of Mars is by no means a easy job...it'll take many generations to do it. In the meantime, the journey to Mars still takes up piles of money, effort and time, so for the first few decades (i.e. within our lifetimes) there will be nothing more than exploratory expeditions there. Colonization is no joke...to transport thousands or even millions of people is there is inconceivable at this point...heck, we can't haul that many people up into LEO...

Patrick Degan · Post by **Patrick Degan** » 2003-01-30 07:45pm

No matter what else may be done on Mars, don't let WalMart get a foothold.

Arthur_Tuxedo · Post by **Arthur_Tuxedo** » 2003-01-30 08:51pm

Invite Rosie O'Donell, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Osama bin Laden, John Ashcroft <snip 2.1 MB of names) and BLOW IT UP!

jaeger115 · Post by **jaeger115** » 2003-01-30 08:52pm

I suggest you check this out:

http://www.redcolony.com

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2003-01-30 08:56pm

Build the House of Usher, and then knock it down.

Gil Hamilton · Post by **Gil Hamilton** » 2003-01-30 09:04pm

HemlockGrey wrote:Drill for oil.

Um, oil? Oil is a fossil fuel.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2003-01-30 09:05pm

I'm against the idea of terraforming, so just leave it and build habitats.

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2003-01-30 09:10pm

...and you oppose terraforming because?

Raxmei · Post by **Raxmei** » 2003-01-30 09:11pm

Terrsforming a whole planet sounds like a lot of work. Why can't you just stay indoors?

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2003-01-30 09:11pm

Cost.
Complication.
Risk.
Time.

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