One-way Ticket to Mars

[mjl_toronto]

In a presentation at 2008 NASA Astrobiology Science Conference, theoretical physicist and cosmologist Paul Davies argued that the most cost-effective way to send humans to Mars would be to send them with the understanding that they wouldn’t be coming back.

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Who wants to sign up?

If I were single and in my twenties, I would really want to do this. Sure, I'd give up a lot and risk everything but the potential experience could be awesome. Bad part is I'd miss out on all the Hot Deals on RFD.

[Emancipated]

Being sent to a place with certain death. I don't know. I rather climb Everest.

When I die, I want to be shot out to space.

[toalan]

What an idiot, the most cost effective way is to send them without the understanding that they will not be coming back, in other words lie to them.

[danfromwaterloo]

It's understandable - the cost of a return trip is the expensive part. If I were an astronaut headed on a Mars mission, I would understand that I may not be returning. In return, I help advance humanity. It's a cost I believe I would pay gladly.

[Akraz]

Where can I sign up? I have nothing to live for. I might as well do it for mankind.

edit: wrote a letter to NASA

[Bazooka Joe]

You'd have people lining up IMO. Think of what you'd be doing for mankind, and the adventure. Would be tough finding certain valuable skill sets willing to take that kind of risk though.

You'd have a lot of upset moms though

[Emancipated]

You'd have people lining up IMO. Think of what you'd be doing for mankind, and the adventure. Would be tough finding certain valuable skill sets willing to take that kind of risk though.

You'd have a lot of upset moms though

The fathers would be "finally, that bum is doing something with his life"

The mothers would be "I knew my baby would move out some day but.... OFF THE PLANET?!"

[board123]

Does Mars.....hot?

[Lone_Prodigy]

If I were single and in my twenties, I would really want to do this. Sure, I'd give up a lot and risk everything but the potential experience could be awesome. Bad part is I'd miss out on all the Hot Deals on RFD.

Coming soon: free shipping to Mars!

[Ottomaddox]

This article isn't talking about sending you off to die; it's about sending you off to live, similar to the explorers of the New Worlds, dudes like Vikings that never knew if they would make it back while sailing across vast bodies of water.

The first guy they should consider is Les Stroud. That dude could live anywhere.

That said, if I didn't have anything holding me down here (like a family), I'd do it. I played hours of lunar lander on a Vic20, I'm hella-qualified!

[Emancipated]

I'm assuming they've simulated hydroponic technology and know they could sustain life but there's always that doubt present.

Life would be different for sure.

[CSAgent]

Send me with a brunette, a blonde and Asian chick - must be model types, doesn't necessarily have to speak English... and I'll go in a heartbeat.

[BananaHunter]

I imagine only the best and the brigtest could be trusted with such a project. The people need to have the brain power/physical endurance to do whatever work needs to be done to colonize. They'll also need to go through many years of education and training. You'd probably have to go through many tests, including psychology tests to make sure you don't go crazy.

I want to go but I'll probably fail in the process of being chosen.

[corrupt123]

What an idiot, the most cost effective way is to send them without the understanding that they will not be coming back, in other words lie to them.

Problem is, some of them might start to wonder why the ship only appears equipped for a one-way trip. Astronauts tend to be a little smarter than the average bear.

You'd have people lining up IMO. Think of what you'd be doing for mankind, and the adventure. Would be tough finding certain valuable skill sets willing to take that kind of risk though.

You'd have a lot of upset moms though

Agreed, and I think that would be a whole other problem in itself. The interview process would need to choose the best candidate, but also choose someone who actually is willing to die for the human race. Someone that will follow the mission through, will not be affected by knowing their fate, and will continue to act in the best interest of humanity - rather than in the best interest of themselves.

While I too (being young and free) would like to think that an opportunity to go down in the history books like this would be worth more than anything else in life, I'm saying that in the comfort of my home in front of a computer. When I'm flying through space with zero (and that's absolute) chance of return and virtually zero chance of surviving to see my 30th birthday, my priorities might change. My mental state will definitely change. I would likely no longer be interested in doing as I'm told by a bunch of guys who are comfortable at home on earth... And this is a risk that must be precisely calculated for the most difficult thing to predict on earth: people.

But if any NASA scientists come across this post, I'd be interested in learning more. Lets talk maybe I'll change my mind

[Bazooka Joe]

Send me with a brunette, a blonde and Asian chick - must be model types, doesn't necessarily have to speak English... and I'll go in a heartbeat.

Lol, you don't need to go to mars to get that. Reminds me of office space though.

Peter Gibbons: What would you do if you had a million dollars?
Lawrence: I'll tell you what I'd do, man: two chicks at the same time, man.
Peter Gibbons: That's it? If you had a million dollars, you'd do two chicks at the same time?
Lawrence: Damn straight. I always wanted to do that, man. And I think if I were a millionaire I could hook that up, too; 'cause chicks dig dudes with money.
Peter Gibbons: Well, not all chicks.
Lawrence: Well, the type of chicks that'd double up on a dude like me do.
Peter Gibbons: Good point.