A picture of Earth from the International Space Station that
is very reminiscent of something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. In science
fiction we like to imagine sweeping vistas of space-scapes and alien terrain, seen
through the enormous glass windows of mile-long space ships. But space travel
for a very long time is going to consist of views more like this one.
Nevertheless, it is, as Scott Kelly describes, a very appealing image. A little
ocean, a little landscape, and some intrepid, plucky clouds complete the iconic
visuals of Earth from afar.
This week I saw a headline that said we are hoping to put
boots on Mars by the year 2050. Apparently a non-profit organization in the
Netherlands plans to one up that timeline by getting four astronauts on the
ground by 2027.
This visit isn’t just for exploration, either. The
non-profit, called Mars One, is out to create a full-fledged, long-term colony.
But outside opinions are already challenging whether the plan put together by
Mars One is even possible. According to the organizers, they have budged about
$6 billion to get to Mars by 2027 – an incredibly low price when you take into
account the new technologies that will have to be invented, the ships that will
have to be outfitted, and more. What’s even more interesting is that Mars One
seems to think that their colonists will be permanent citizens of the Red
Planet. There is no return plan in place, despite the fact that the plan
includes subsequent trips of more and more colonists every two years following
the initial set up.
How does a non-profit intend to fund even a meager estimate
of $6 billion? Why, through donations of course! If you happen to be a
billionaire with the odd change to spare, they’d be happy to hear from you.
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