The planet Mars is where the action will be in the next
century. It is the only planet in the solar system on which there is a strong
probability of finding Life Past, and perhaps even Life
Present. Also, we can reach it, and survive on it with technologies which are
available today, or which we can acquire in the near future.
"We chose to go to the Moon! We chose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other thinks, not because they are hard, buecause theat goal will werve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we inted to win... This is in some measures an act of faith and vision, for we do not know what benefits await us... But space is there and we are going to climb it."
More than 30 years ago, a great man challenged the human race to do something that seems impossible. But through perseverence, hard work, and the will power of man, we achieved this great challenge. Now, the time has come for America, and the world, to set itself unto a bold new goal concerning space exploration. The recent 25th anniversary of the Apollo Landings have reminded us of what we can accomplish, and by doing so have put the question to us: Are we still a nation of pioneers? Do we choose to make the leaps involved in the continuation of human progress or do we wish to live by celebrating our accomplishments in museums?
There can be no progress without a goal. It seems now that the ambitions which fueled our space program have lost their glory. The American space program has been floundering since the glorious Apollo Missions. We need a central purpose to drive our space program and at this point in history, that focus can only be the exploration and colonization of Mars.
The question of taking on Mars as an interplanetary goal is not simply one of aerospace accomplisment, but one of reaffirming the pioneering character of our society. Mars is unique amoung our solar system in that it is endowed with all the resources needed to support not only life but civilization. From the oceans of frozen water and permafrost to vast quantities of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, Mars is a planet just waiting for use. Additionally, Mars has experienced the same sort of volcanic and hydrologic processes that produced a multitude of mineral ores on Earth. Virtually every element of importance is available on Mars. In addition, there is valid speculation that there is underground liquid water in which microbial life could exist and they would also represent oases providing water and geothermal power to future colonists.
Mars can be settled. For our generation and many that will follow, Mars is the New World.
