Waste of money. recently, discovery channel has made a hullabaloo about this, and there are definately plans for this. its cool

but space programs are a waste of money. I really do love the idea, and all of the engineering, hell i wouldn't mind being an astronaut, but we've barely explored our oceans, understand the weather, our bodies. our carp planet, now some want to leave it?

also they want to approach it as a race between nations, when we are better off pooling nations, after all it is a conquest of a planet to an other right?
particle accelerators too.

so those are my thoughts, what are yours?

I think Mars is a cool planet. Not literally though.

I wonder how much gasoline it takes to propel a rocket/satellite out into space. I'm guessing a lot

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balls

Is this with that "Dawn" probe or something? I heard about it, but I never really cared since it's space. I think it's gathering useless information our generation won't need, but it's all for the purpose of science!

I think Mars is a cool planet. Not literally though.

I wonder how much gasoline it takes to propel a rocket/satellite out into space. I'm guessing a lot

it actually depends on alot of things. mass is one of the greatest factors though

and i think going to mars is an interesting decision. theres only so much we can learn from probes, and there is evidence that Mars had at one point supported life. and theres only so much we can learn by staying on our planet

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Engineers: If it wasn't for us there'd be no mechs for emo pilots to fly

with an argument like that...

dude, seriously. Why not go to Mars and learn about the UNIVERSE we live in?

with an argument like that...

dude, seriously. Why not go to Mars and learn about the UNIVERSE we live in?

Because the money could be better spent helping the world we are living in right now.

When I first read the title, I thought the fashion company, FCUK, were launching a really stylish satellite or something.

Anyway, I'm not really bothered - space interests me and if NASA (if it is NASA) have the money to be jetting off to Mars, let them. There have been some really interesting discoveries on Mars and if they can discover more, we'll be more knowledgable about the universe we live in.

with an argument like that...

dude, seriously. Why not go to Mars and learn about the UNIVERSE we live in?

Because the money could be better spent helping the world we are living in right now.

That argument could be applied to ANY money we ever spend. We pay our athletes and celebrities millions; that money could be used to help the world we live in.

While I do not think actually going to Mars itself will be that beneficial, we need space exploration to learn about the universe we're all apart of.

with an argument like that...

dude, seriously. Why not go to Mars and learn about the UNIVERSE we live in?

Because the money could be better spent helping the world we are living in right now.

That argument could be applied to ANY money we ever spend. We pay our athletes and celebrities millions; that money could be used to help the world we live in.

While I do not think actually going to Mars itself will be that beneficial, we need space exploration to learn about the universe we're all apart of.

That money isn't government money.

with an argument like that...

dude, seriously. Why not go to Mars and learn about the UNIVERSE we live in?

Because the money could be better spent helping the world we are living in right now.

That argument could be applied to ANY money we ever spend. We pay our athletes and celebrities millions; that money could be used to help the world we live in.

While I do not think actually going to Mars itself will be that beneficial, we need space exploration to learn about the universe we're all apart of.

That money isn't government money.

So money can't be given to a place that's given us...

Computer Technology - NASA Spinoffs

GROUND PROCESSING SCHEDULING SYSTEM - Computer-based scheduling system that uses artificial intelligence to manage thousands of overlapping activities involved in launch preparations of NASA's Space Shuttles. The NASA technology was licensed to a new company which developed commercial applications that provide real-time planning and optimization of manufacturing operations, integrated supply chains, and customer orders.uu

SEMICONDUCTOR CUBING - NASA initiative led to the Memory Short Stack, a three-dimensional semiconductor package in which dozens of integrated circuits are stacked one atop another to form a cube, offering faster computer processing speeds, higher levels of integration, lower power requirements than conventional chip sets, and dramatic reduction in the size and weight of memory-intensive systems, such as medical imaging devices.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS - This NASA program, originally created for spacecraft design, has been employed in a broad array of non-aerospace applications, such as the automobile industry, manufacture of machine tools, and hardware designs.

WINDOWS VISUAL NEWS READER (Win Vn) - Software program developed to support payload technical documentation at Kennedy Space Center, allowing the exchange of technical information among a large group of users. WinVn is an enabling technology product that provides countless people with Internet access otherwise beyond their grasp, and it was optimized for organizations that have direct Internet access.

AIR QUALITY MONITOR - Utilizing a NASA-developed, advanced analytical technique software package, an air quality monitor system was created, capable of separating the various gases in bulk smokestack exhaust streams and determining the amount of individual gases present within the stream for compliance with smokestack emission standards.

VIRTUAL REALITY - NASA-developed research allows a user, with assistance from advanced technology devices, to figuratively project oneself into a computer-generated environment, matching the user's head motion, and, when coupled with a stereo viewing device and appropriate software, creates a telepresence experience.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Advanced keyboards, Customer Service Software, Database Management System, Laser Surveying, Aircraft controls, Lightweight Compact Disc, Expert System Software, Microcomputers, and Design Graphics.


Consumer/Home/Recreation - NASA Spinoffs

ENRICHED BABY FOOD - A microalgae-based, vegetable-like oil called Formulaid developed from NASA-sponsored research on long duration space travel, contains two essential fatty acids found in human milk but not in most baby formulas, believed to be important for infants' mental and visual development.

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM - NASA-developed municipal-size water treatment system for developing nations, called the Regenerable Biocide Delivery Unit, uses iodine rather than chlorine to kill bacteria.

SCRATCH-RESISTANT LENSES - A modified version of a dual ion beam bonding process developed by NASA involves coating the lenses with a film of diamond-like carbon that not only provides scratch resistance, but also decreases surface friction, reducing water spots.

POOL PURIFICATION - Space technology designed to sterilize water on long-duration spacecraft applied to swimming pool purification led to a system that uses two silver-copper alloy electrodes that generate silver and copper ions when an electric current passes through them to kill bacteria and algae without chemicals.

RIBBED SWIMSUIT - NASA-developed riblets applied to competition swimsuits resulted in flume testing of 10 to 15 percent faster speeds than any other world class swim-suit due to the small, barely visible grooves that reduce friction and aerodynamic drag by modifying the turbulent airflow next to the skin.

GOLF BALL AERODYNAMICS - A recently designed golf ball, which has 500 dimples arranged in a pattern of 60 spherical triangles, employs NASA aerodynamics technology to create a more symmetrical ball surface, sustaining initial velocity longer and producing a more stable ball flight for better accuracy and distance.

PORTABLE COOLERS/WARMERS - Based on a NASA-inspired space cooling system employing thermoelectric technology, the portable cooler/warmer plugs into the cigarette lighters of autos, recreational vehicles, boats, or motel outlets. Utilizes one or two miniaturized modules delivering the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice and the heating power of up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

SPORTS TRAINING - Space-developed cardio-muscular conditioner helps athletes increase muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness through kinetic exercise.

ATHLETIC SHOES - Moon Boot material encapsulated in running shoe midsoles improve shock absorption and provides superior stability and motion control.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Dustbuster, shock-absorbing helmets, home security systems, smoke detectors, flat panel televisions, high-density batteries, trash compactors, food packaging and freeze-dried technology, cool sportswear, sports bras, hair styling appliances, fogless ski goggles, self-adjusting sunglasses, composite golf clubs, hang gliders, art preservation, and quartz crystal timing equipment.


Environmental and Resource Management - NASA Spinoffs

MICROSPHERES - The first commercial products manufactured in orbit are tiny microspheres whose precise dimensions permit their use as reference standards for extremely accurate calibration of instruments in research and industrial laboratories. They are sold for applications in environmental control, medical research, and manufacturing.

SOLAR ENERGY - NASA-pioneered photovoltaic power system for spacecraft applications was applied to programs to expand terrestrial applications as a viable alternative energy source in areas where no conventional power source exists.

WEATHER FORECASTING AID - Space Shuttle environmental control technology led to the development of the Barorator which continuously measures the atmospheric pressure and calculates the instantaneous rate of change.

FOREST MANAGEMENT - A NASA-initiated satellite scanning system monitors and maps forestation by detecting radiation reflected and emitted from trees.

SENSORS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - NASA development of an instrument for use in space life support research led to commercial development of a system to monitor an industrial process stream to assure that the effluent water's pH level is in compliance with environmental regulations.

WIND MONITOR - Development of Jimsphere wind measurement balloon for space launches allows for making high resolution measurements of the wind profile for meteorological studies and predictions.

TELEMETRY SYSTEMS - A spinoff company formed to commercialize NASA high-data-rate telemetry technology, manufactures a high-speed processing system for commercial communications applications.

PLANT RESEARCH - NASA research on future moon and Mars bases is investigating using plants for food, oxygen, and water to reduce the need for outside supplies. This research utilizes Hydroponics (liquid nutrient solutions) instead of soil to support plant growth and finds applications for vegetable production on Earth.

FIRE RESISTANT MATERIAL - Materials include chemically-treated fabric for sheets, uniforms for hazardous material handlers, crew's clothing, furniture, interior walls of submersibles and auto racer and refueler suits.

RADIATION INSULATION - Aluminized polymer film is highly effective radiation barrier for both manned and unmanned spacecraft. Variations of this space-devised material are also used as an energy conservation technique for homes and offices. The materials are placed between wall studs and exterior facing before siding or between roof support and roof sheathing. The radiant barrier blocks 95% of radiant energy. Successful retrofit installations include schools and shrink wrap ovens.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Whale identification method, environmental analysis, noise abatement, pollution measuring devices, pollution control devices, smokestack monitor, radioactive leak detector, earthquake prediction system, sewage treatment, energy saving air conditioning, and air purification.

Health and Medicine - NASA Spinoffs

DIGITAL IMAGING BREAST BIOPSY SYSTEM - The LORAD Stereo Guide Breast Biopsy system incorporates advanced Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) as part of a digital camera system. The resulting device images breast tissue more clearly and efficiently. Known as stereotactic large-core needle biopsy, this nonsurgical system developed with Space Telescope Technology is less traumatic and greatly reduces the pain, scarring, radiation exposure, time, and money associated with surgical biopsies.

BREAST CANCER DETECTION - A solar cell sensor is positioned directly beneath x-ray film, and determines exactly when film has received sufficient radiation and has been exposed to optimum density. Associated electronic equipment then sends a signal to cut off the x-ray source. Reduction of mammography x-ray exposure reduces radiation hazard and doubles the number of patient exams per machine.

LASER ANGIOPLASTY - Laser angioplasty with a "cool" type of laser, caller an excimer laser, does not damage blood vessel walls and offers precise non-surgical cleanings of clogged arteries with extraordinary precision and fewer complications than in balloon angioplasty.

ULTRASOUND SKIN DAMAGE ASSESSMENT - Advanced instrument using NASA ultrasound technology enables immediate assessment of burn damage depth, improving patient treatment, and may save lives in serious burn cases.

HUMAN TISSUE STIMULATOR - Employing NASA satellite technology, the device is implanted in the body to help patient control chronic pain and involuntary motion disorders through electrical stimulation of targeted nerve centers or particular areas of the brain.

COOL SUIT - Custom-made suit derived from space suits circulates coolant through tubes to lower patient's body/ temperature, producing dramatic improvement of symptoms of multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other conditions.

PROGRAMMABLE PACEMAKER - Incorporating multiple NASA technologies, the system consists of the implant and a physician's computer console containing the programming and a data printer. Communicates through wireless telemetry signals.

OCULAR SCREENING - NASA image processing techniques are used to detect eye problems in very young children. An electronic flash from a 35-millimeter camera sends light into the child's eyes, and a photorefractor analyzes the retinal reflexes, producing an image of each eye.

AUTOMATED URINALYSIS - NASA fluid dynamics studies helped development of system that automatically extracts and transfers sediment from urine sample to an analyzer microscope, replacing the manual centrifuge method.

MEDICAL GAS ANALYZER - Astronaut-monitoring technology used to develop system to monitor operating rooms for analysis of anesthetic gasses and measurement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen concentrations to assure proper breathing environment for surgery patients.

VOICE-CONTROLLED WHEELCHAIR - NASA teleoperator and robot technology used to develop chair and manipulator that respond to 35 one-word voice commands utilizing a minicomputer to help patient perform daily tasks, like picking up packages, opening doors, and turning on appliances.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Arteriosclerosis detection, ultrasound scanners, automatic insulin pump, portable x-ray device, invisible braces, dental arch wire, palate surgery technology, clean room apparel, implantable heart aid, MRI, bone analyzer, and cataract surgery tools.


Industrial Productivity/Manufacturing Technology - NASA Spinoffs

MAGNETIC LIQUIDS - Based on the NASA-developed ferrofluid concept involving synthetic fluids that can be positioned and controlled by magnetic force, the ferrofluidic seal was initially applied in a zero-leakage, nonwearing seal for the rotating shaft of a system used to make semiconductor chips, solving a persistent problem‹contamination due to leaking seals.

WELDING SENSOR SYSTEM - Laser-based automated welder for industrial use incorporates a laser sensor system originally designed for Space Shuttle External Tank to track the seam where two pieces of metal are to be joined, measures gaps and minute misfits, and automatically corrects the welding torch distance and height.

MICROLASERS - Based on a concept for optical communications over interplanetary distances, microlasers were developed for the commercial market to transmit communication signals and to drill, cut, or melt materials.

MAGNETIC BEARING SYSTEM - Bearings developed from Space Shuttle designs support moving machinery without physical contact, permitting motion without friction or wear, and are now used in electric power generation, petroleum refining, machine tool operation, and natural gas pipelines.

ENGINE LUBRICANT - A NASA-developed plasma-sprayed coating is used to coat valves in a new, ten-inch-long, four-cylinder rotary engine, eliminating the need for lubricating the rotorcam, which has no crankshaft, flywheel, distributor, or water pump.

INTERACTIVE COMPUTER TRAINING - Known as Interactive Multimedia Training (IMT), originally developed to train astronauts and space operations personnel, now utilized by the commercial sector to train new employees and upgrade worker skills, using a computer system that engages all the senses, including text, video, animation, voice, sounds, and music.

HIGH-PRESSURE WATERSTRIPPING - Technology developed for preparing Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters first evolved into the U.S. Air Force's Large Aircraft Robotic Paint Stripping (LARPS) system, and now used in the commercial airline industry, where the waterjet processing reduces coating removal time by 90 percent, using only water at ultra-high pressures up to 55,000 psi.

ADVANCED WELDING TORCH - Based on the Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welding technology, a handheld torch originally developed for joining light alloys used in NASA's External Tank, is now used by major appliance manufacturers for sheet metal welding.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Gasoline vapor recovery, self-locking fasteners, machine tool software, laser wire stripper, lubricant coating process, wireless communications, engine coatings, and engine design.


Public Safety - NASA Spinoffs

RADIATION HAZARD DETECTOR - NASA technology has made commercially available new, inexpensive, conveniently carried device for protection of people exposed to potentially dangerous levels of microwave radiation. Weighing only 4 ounces and about the size of a cigarette pack, it can be carried in a shirt pocket or clipped to a belt. Unit sounds an audible alarm when microwave radiation reaches a preset level.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROBOT - Remotely-operated robot reduces human injury levels by performing hazardous tasks that would otherwise be handled by humans.

PERSONAL ALARM SYSTEM - Pen-sized ultrasonic transmitter used by prison guards, teachers, the elderly, and disabled to call for help is based on space telemetry technology. Pen transmits a silent signal to receiver that will display the exact location of the emergency.

EMERGENCY RESCUE CUTTERS - Lightweight cutters for freeing accident victims from wreckage developed using NASA pyrotechnic technology.

FIREMAN'S AIR TANKS - Lighter-weight firefighter's air tanks have been developed. New back-pack system weighs only 20 lbs. for 30 minute air supply, 13 lbs. less than conventional firefighting tanks. They are pressurized at 4,500 psia (twice current tanks). A warning device tells the fireman when he or she is running out of air.

PERSONAL STORM WARNING SYSTEM - Lightning detector gives 30-minute warning to golfers, boaters, homeowners, business owners, and private pilots.

SELF-RIGHTING LIFE RAFT - Developed for the Apollo program, fully inflates in 12 seconds and protects lives during extremely adverse weather conditions with self-righting and gravity compensation features.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Storm warning services (Doppler radar), firefighters' radios, lead poison detection, fire detector, flame detector, corrosion protection coating, protective clothing, and robotic hands.

ransportation - NASA Spinoffs

STUDLESS WINTER TIRES - Viking Lander parachute shroud material is adapted and used to manufacture radial tires, increasing the tire material's chainlike molecular structure to five times the strength of steel should increase tread life by 10,000 miles.

BETTER BRAKES - New, high-temperature composite space materials provide for better brake linings. Applications includes trucks, industrial equipment and passenger cars.

TOLLBOOTH PURIFICATION - A laminar airflow technique used in NASA clean rooms for contamination-free assembly of space equipment is used at tollbooths on bridges and turnpikes to decrease the toll collector's inhalation of exhaust fumes.

WEIGHT SAVING TECHNOLOGY - NASA research on composite materials is used to achieve a 30-percent weight reduction in a twin-turbine helicopter, resulting in a substantial increase in aircraft performance.

IMPROVED AIRCRAFT ENGINE - Multiple NASA developed technological advancements resulted in a cleaner, quieter, more economical commercial aircraft engine known as the high bypass turbofan, featuring a 10-percent reduction in fuel consumption, lower noise levels, and emission reductions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons.

ADVANCED LUBRICANTS - An environmental-friendly lubricant designed to support the Space Shuttle Mobile Launcher Platform led to the development of three commercial lubricants for railroad track maintenance, for electric power company corrosion prevention, and as a hydraulic fluid with an oxidation life of 10,000 hours.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM - The Flywheel Energy Storage system, derived from two NASA-sponsored energy storage studies, is a chemical-free, mechanical battery that harnesses the energy of a rapidly spinning wheel and stores it as electricity with 50 times the capacity of a lead-acid battery, very useful for electric vehicles.

NEW WING DESIGN FOR CORPORATE JETS - NASA-developed computer programs resulted in an advanced, lighter, more aerodynamically-efficient new wing for Gulfstream business aircraft.

AIDS TO SCHOOL BUS DESIGN - Manufacturer uses three separate NASA-developed technologies originally developed for aviation and space use in their design and testing of a new school bus chassis. These technologies are a structural analysis computer program infrared stress measurement system, and a ride quality meter system.

Other spinoffs in this area include: Safer bridges, emission testing, airline wheelchairs, electric car, auto design, methane-powered vehicles, windshear prediction, and aircraft design analysis.

Seems to me NASA makes the world a better place with most of the funds it is given, so why not use some of that as well for space exploration?

It was ridiculous of you to quote all that. Link it next time.

I think it's fair to say that I'd rather poverty be solved than find a small trace of water on Mars.

It was ridiculous of you to quote all that. Link it next time.

I think it's fair to say that I'd rather poverty be solved than find a small trace of water on Mars.

I can say with a fair amount of certainty that if the government wasn't spending this money on space exploration, they certainly wouldn't be spending it to help poor people.

It was ridiculous of you to quote all that. Link it next time.

I think it's fair to say that I'd rather poverty be solved than find a small trace of water on Mars.

The link I had was some archived post, so it didn't make sense to link it lol.

Also, I agree with Michael that the money used for NASA would not go to the poor. And who knows what we'll find on mars? Who knew would figure out so much by looking at cork through a microscope?

It's always easy to say to give more money to the poor, but how? How do you stop poverty; give them more money? So what, the alcoholics buy more alcohol, and the druggies more drugs? Sure, they're are people living in legit poverty, and it's unfortunate, but to limit the funding of science for the sake of poverty, in my mind, is idiotic.

It was ridiculous of you to quote all that. Link it next time.

I think it's fair to say that I'd rather poverty be solved than find a small trace of water on Mars.

I can say with a fair amount of certainty that if the government wasn't spending this money on space exploration, they certainly wouldn't be spending it to help poor people.

Undoubtedly this is true, but it should be.

It was ridiculous of you to quote all that. Link it next time.

I think it's fair to say that I'd rather poverty be solved than find a small trace of water on Mars.

The link I had was some archived post, so it didn't make sense to link it lol.

Also, I agree with Michael that the money used for NASA would not go to the poor. And who knows what we'll find on mars? Who knew would figure out so much by looking at cork through a microscope?

It's always easy to say to give more money to the poor, but how? How do you stop poverty; give them more money? So what, the alcoholics buy more alcohol, and the druggies more drugs? Sure, they're are people living in legit poverty, and it's unfortunate, but to limit the funding of science for the sake of poverty, in my mind, is idiotic.

It's not our jobs to decide how this money should be spent to help poor people, as we definitely do not understand socio-economics enough to make that kind of decision.

Poverty was just one example. How about diseases? Diseases are science.

there are a number of things that could only be created in zero-g environments and a cure could be one of em. and who knows what else we could find out there? humans by nature are explorers. hundreds of years ago people spent their entire lives to create maps and explore the world. now with the world mapped out its time to move on. theres only so much we can learn from looking through telescopes (everything we see is thousands of years old and never in real time) and even less through sending out probes (once they get far enough out it takes years for them to send back data. and even then it'll take them more then a few lifetimes to get anywhere)

i think that space exploration is a huge leap forwards for mankind. just look at how far we've come in the last 20-30 years let alone the last 2000 years. it may not seem like it but thats a very short time. it may not seem like it but theres alot we could learn from exploring outside of our front lawn. who knows maybe this might bring people together in order to further mankind. theres also the possibility of a race for power and maybe a war though

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Engineers: If it wasn't for us there'd be no mechs for emo pilots to fly

im surprised by your responses.
I the problem I have is that our priorities are in the wrong order.
I am sure going to mars will allow us to learn more. warning I will go on a tangent or two.

Poverty is but one issue, and giving money wouldn't help really, they need jobs and shealter. look at new orleans, perfect example of where resources and manpower should go. Im not saying I have a solution either, but in general people need to do more with less, be more effecient (we used to, right). these huge projects, always run over budget, over schedual. An institution like nasa, the military, the government(s), corporations are all top heavy organisations.
the more people that touch a single piece of paper, the more expensive that paper is, and the longer it has to travel. ineffecient

think about the appollo missions. think about that technology and what was accomplished. look at the progression of MS windows, sure it can do lots of neat stuff, but how useful are gui gimicks? I used 98 until 2006, it did pretty good. I used to have it running on a pentium mmx 200mhz (circa1993), 128mb ram, 2gb hhd. I used that to make avi and sigs for otc and bd , play a few mp3s, edit photos, even Cad.
Windows vista does that too. less was more
"make a tool so simple a fool could use it, and only a fool will use it"

we should explore our oceans befor going into deep space. we should renew infrastructure. green house gas emissions is bull carp, we know enough that less waste is best(recycle), renewable energy is sustainable, diesel is cleaner than gas. why some reading
nasa's people are smart, I know they have dreams. it just not the right time


we think that pursuit of technology will solve our problems for us when really they are social, they are human problems that few are confronting.
You can also call me a hypocrite, since it's not like I've done much at all except shine some light on this. I'd rather think about it, then try to deny it. I've got ideas.
my post doesn't really make sense as a whole, so take it in paragraphs

Not the right time? So NASA should stop all of their research because the world is a harsh place?

Not sure why you brought greenhouse gas emissions and Microsoft into this topic, but alright.

No one is saying that the pursuit of technology is going to solve our problems; going to Mars is RESEARCH. We have made every breakthrough in every field of science through research. Who knows what we'll find on Mars. None of us have been there, so how can you say it's meaningless?

Yes, equaling out the funds is important and it is unfortunate that some people live in poverty. However, that is not NASA's problem, as they have contributed enough to society to go to Mars if they want to.

It seems with this topic that you're more frustrated that the poor are not getting adequate attention and funding for their needs. While that is unfortunate and true, NASA is not to blame (the government can't please everyone Blue).

And to Brad, we have made strong strides in dealing with disease. The link escapes me, but recently some scientists have eliminated cancer in cells. We are obviously a long time off from curing cancer... but we are making progress.

It seems with this topic that you're more frustrated that the poor are not getting adequate attention and funding for their needs. While that is unfortunate and true, NASA is not to blame (the government can't please everyone Blue).

I didn't get the feeling he was blaming NASA at all.

It seems with this topic that you're more frustrated that the poor are not getting adequate attention and funding for their needs. While that is unfortunate and true, NASA is not to blame (the government can't please everyone Blue).

I didn't get the feeling he was blaming NASA at all.

It came across to me as he thinks NASA is wasting funds on a project he deems "useless". All of us have a different opinion on the importance of said mission, and other missions like it.

At least that's how I'm looking at it, lol.

I don't think he's blaming NASA as much as he is blaming the government for allocating disproportionate amounts of funds.

no I did not blame nasa. My point is that humans are not ready to go too mars in the next 30 years (like being projected), haha I did not say to "not give money to" nasa, sure they have done lots of good. but that quote doesn't help, its a false arguement. Nasa has made mistakes too, costing lives. the risk in a mars mission is so high.
I would say put it off until we have faster, more effecient methods of propulsion to reduce the length of the mission.

the poverty thing was blown out of proportion. thb I was not even thinking about that when I created the topic. but rather we should understand our planet. mars is another planet. Its like the saying get your house in order.
we presently don't understand our planet. therefore we should not attempt to understand another at the same time

that should clarify my standpoint.
Anyway besides the obvious amount of knowledge we could gain, what other reasons do you think that we could or could not pull this off in 30 years? thats what I'd like to hear about, any specifics. haha its intellectual discussion Im trying to stir.

in 30 years time i see it being more then possible. in the last 20 years alone we have made giant leaps in technology and science, and we continue to grow at an amazing rate. if we continue the way we are then i dont doubt that in no time we'll be living some of our favorite scifi shows.

though i see the mars mission happening sooner then later. its human competitive nature that allows us to advance at the speed we do. its our desire to out match other countries which forces us to develop newer and newer technology to help us achieve the greatest edge over every other country in the world.

by spending money on a space program there are a number of things that could benefit from the development of these technologies that would apply outside the program. we could develop more efficient and cleaner means of transportation as we attempt to build an engine that could get us to mars in the smallest amount o time. we could make advances in many fields that could also lead to break throughs in medicine and many other fields. even though money is being spent on the mars project it still allows us to continue with what we are already doing, and help it to advance further because now we have a goal to work forwards to

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Engineers: If it wasn't for us there'd be no mechs for emo pilots to fly

So all of these funds which shouldn't be spent on reaching Mars, what should they be spent on? "Better understanding our planet" is pretty vague because that's not a very easy task. Sure, more money always helps in research, but in the end its on the scientists themselves to think of ways to research and learn more about the place on which we live.

I agree with FC, that in our efforts to reach Mars, technology and information pertaining to the world will come up, and help us better understand it. So why not do both, and get so much more information?

Also, by researching and reaching Mars, we may even learn more about our planet and the similarities between Mars and Earth.

And the reason for not waiting: because we've already been waiting for almost that alloted time? We sure as hell could have gone in the eighties, but here we are in almost 2008 with "faster, more efficient means of propulsion".

think about it if global warming hapans everyone will die. but if we all go to mars I GET RIDE IN A SPACE SHIP and we will be safe but mainly i get to ride in a space ship and going to mars will give us informaition on how to live there

think about it if global warming hapans everyone will die. but if we all go to mars I GET RIDE IN A SPACE SHIP and we will be safe but mainly i get to ride in a space ship and going to mars will give us informaition on how to live there

the rooneylution is here