Comments

Having read Robert Zubrin's "The Case for Mars" and "Entering Space", I was deeply impressed with his no-nonsense approach to getting a human presence on Mars as simply, cheaply and safely as possible. He emphasises the goal of Martian settlement as an extension of the human imperative to expand our territory and continue to push back our frontiers. I couldn't agree more, but one thing I don't remember him mentioning is this: When we have another large impactor like the Chixalub meteor that ended the dinosaurs' reign, our fragile species will be extinguished if we have all our eggs in this one planetary basket. Mars is our best local candidate for a backup. If we have a self-sustaining and genetically diverse community established when he Big One hits Earth, we can re-seed Mama or simply continue outward, carrying the essence and accumulated knowledge of humanity. Life will continue in the cracks and crevices of Earth, but not our life. Thus shall the meek truly inherit the Earth. I only hope that President Obama can see the wisdom in making Mars Direct happen before the end of his term.