h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yes, I believe that space exploration and colonisation of Mars is possible, but probably not until the end of this century, and probably later;after some attempt has been made to colonise the Moon, since that is much nearer and at least theoretically easier to colonise. Colonising the Moon would also be a useful exercise in what would be necessary for Mars. I think that everything goes in cycles and once we're through this current one and, hopefully, have overcome to some extent the current situation on Earth there will be more motivation to move forward into space just because it is our basic nature as a species to explore. Probably the technology will have to be more advanced to make Mars a possibility because of the time and distance of travel but once that has happened I think that it is a real possibility. It would take an enormous amount of resources to even begin such a project; therefore it would probably have to take several countries collaborating to make it happen.

Does thinking about space exploration fire your imagination or does it leave you cold, a 'waste of money'?

I've been a space geek as far back as I can remember

Do you think we'll get to Mars and if so, when? Also, what's the point of going? Indeed, is there any point to space travel at all?

I think we will get to mars but probably not in my lifetime. The point of going is to further the field of human knowledge in a way that simply can't be done with robotic probes. I think that answers the question of is there any point to space travel at all.

Just how likely is it that we'll replicate the spirit of the American frontiersmen and really go for it with a super long-haul journey to say, Alpha Centuri?

Pretty unlikely in the forseeable future. Such an undertaking would be vast in terms of technology and resources, and further colonisation in our own solar system would probably take place first.

Suspending disbelief for a minute, if members of the public were asked, could you imagine yourself volunteering for a long-haul space project, a one-way ticket only job, never to return?

I probably wouldn't if it was a one-way ticket.

Would it be ethically wrong for a couple to give birth on a one-way space journey, therefore condemning the new-born to never seeing Earth again?

Somebody else answered this question by saying it's not more unethical than someone being born on a journey to another country. I'm inclined to agree

Do you think we'll be going to the Moon more often in the near future and perhaps staying there, mining its minerals? Might territorial wars be fought over the Moon in the way it's been suggested we might scrap for mineral rights in the Arctic?

If Nasa's plans go well I'm sure that we will be going to the moon more often. Nobody really knows what minerals will be found on the moon, but I doubt that wars would be fought over the moon, simply because of the complexity of getting there.

Is space exploration actually a pre-cursor to a time in the future when we actually have to begin vacating the Earth having exhausted all of its resources?

Not at this stage in time. If it's invested in properly it could be, but the means for that are a long way off.

I think that we'll get to Mars eventually but on the timing I'm not sure. I find the idea really exciting but feel that a lot will have to change first, not least people's attitudes towards the resources that will be needed as well as the technology to make such a journey viable. I wouldn't expect it to happen for another 50 years or so unless something dramatic happens which boosts enthusiasm. I also think that we'll need to develop some kind of faster-than-light drive before we can go outside the solar system otherwise the time involved would be almost impossible unless there was some kind of 'ark' ship where people signed up in families to go for the space exploration without expectation of returning to Earth and I can't think that many people will be willing to go for that for some time.

I also feel that collaboration between nations will probably be necessary to make anything worthwhile happen because of the resources involved. I would be surprised if NASA would go it alone on this.

Of course a lot depends on what happens on Earth for the next few years. If there is a population explosion or something of this kind, where resources on Earth were depleted, motivation to explore other planets would happen much faster and the resources to make this happen found in order to alleviate the burden to this planet, if for no other reason.

I think space exploration is a great thing to do but can we explore something new or explore more?
Mars is the next big thing but we still can go to the moon. Why don't the americans and Russians work together to go to Mars. I'm sure we could do it. I don't see a problem, only time.
There talking about making a UK space agency which would be a great idea.
Why doesn't the whole world work together so we can get to mars. The only bad thing is they would make us pay with taxes, but it's probably worth it!