Recently, a couple of scientists suggested that, in order to establish Martian colonies, we should consider sending volunteer pioneers on a one-way trip to the Red Planet. The volunteers would go into the mission knowing that they will die on Mars, perhaps within a few years of landing. Understandably, most of us do not favor such suicide missions. I go a step further. In my view, the very idea of establishing Martian colonies (other than in science-fiction movies) will remain a fantasy even in a distant future.
Even if substantial scientific advancements are assumed to be forthcoming, establishing Martian colonies will basically entail two options. The first will require taking with us parts of worldly essentials to Mars (like we do on Earth inside a submarine). The second option will essentially require making Mars, or portions of it, become Earth-like and thus habitable – which is a tall order, considered potentially satisfiable only by those who blindly believe that science has no limitations. In my view, both options focus too much on the hole (science and technology) as to miss the donut (practicality and quality of life).
Also reminded me of what the physicist Stephen Hawking recently proclaimed while trying to banish a divine creator from physics. He said that God did not create the universe. Instead, he asserted that given the existence of gravity, "the universe can and will create itself from nothing.” Given the existence of gravity? I suppose, that makes perfect sense to those who have utmost faith in science.
