Would you do it?

[Michelanio]

Nasa have plans to send 4 people to Mars and even though that sounds fantastic, there is one small catch, you can't return home...

Full article here

But the question remains, would you do it?

[T-Bag]

The original moon landings were made with the expectation that the return trip was unlikely...though unlike this they'd actually planned one. The tough bit about space travel is fuel. It takes a lot of fuel to break orbit, when you're on Earth you need huge rockets, on the moon it's easier, but still not easy. That's why it's so hard to get back. Imagine a lunar lander type ship launching from Earth, it's just not possible, so it's a big job to do the return trip, but certainly worth the outward trip anyway.

I'm sure they'll have people jumping at the chance. Fully trained astronauts will be fighting for the chance to be picked...but that's just it, these are going to be fully trained astronauts, and judging by the 2030 ETA and allowing for some delays etc the peopl that will go are probably not even born yet. Lovely idea, but I wouldn't hold my breath for my chance to go...but given the chance I can't see why I wouldn't go, it's the chance of a lifetime...only problem is the ping issues.

[Blunt]

Nasa have plans to send 4 people to Mars and even though that sounds fantastic, there is one small catch, you can't return home...

Full article here

But the question remains, would you do it?

Depends who the other 3 are:norty:

[DuVeL]

Depends who the other 3 are:norty:

It depends, how is the internetconnection up there?
I'll bring some waffles, are you bringing the beers Pete?

[Benny]

I was going to post something deep and meaningful and then link a picture from the google search for 'sexy astronauts'....then I saw the results. It's a no from me. (if you have safe search off I suggest you be careful)

[Penfold]

lol Benny.

No, not for me but I know I few people I'd like to volunteer for a one way trip to Mars

[delanvital]

The original moon landings were made with the expectation that the return trip was unlikely...though unlike this they'd actually planned one.

That is a bit simply put - the trip was a planned return trip with the intention of bringing them home. The lander and other modules were tested as much as possible on earth, however seriously inadequate. They were, however, fully aware of the risks and, at the time equivocal, variables involved.

What a wonderful question. I have had a dream of going since seeing the pics from the Vikings as a kid

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I really don't know what to answer. In the end, on the ramp, would I go... I don't know.

[Gorion]

I would, as long as they supply cyanide pills just in case.

Wouldn't want to die suffocating that's for sure.  I would also need a supercomputer, a dedicated satellite and unlimited game/net access.

And let's not forget feminine "company", has to be good looking and preferably with pale white skin.

[smilodon]

I read the article and noticed that nowhere was Pete Wardren quoted as saying the mission would be a one way trip. That quote was attributed to two independent scientists who have nothing much to do with Nasa. I'm quite willing to believe the Hundred Years Starship is fully intending to bring it's Astronauts home. There's a big difference between an Astronaut and a colonist. Remember the link is to a Daily Mail website folks. They have never let an inconvenient fact get in the way of a good story.

That being said I'd quite fancy being first down the ramp. It's a sort of immortality