Exploring Mars

[nebula]

Well, I'm enjoying the excursion. Anyone else?

[refugepsa91]

Isn't it neat....I love to see the pics....I have hard time pulling my 10 year old son away from them....He is really excited about it. And because he is I am...can't wait to see more pics...

Love and Blessings,

Angel H.

[smokey the dog]

beats reading about wars and rumors of wars!

[nebula]

I'll AMEN that, Smokey!

[Ovedya]

What does everything think about the amount of money spent by the US Government on space  research?  If all of the hungry were fed, the homless sheltered, the children well educated, the elderly attanded to I would say GO FOR IT!  But we are talking about a HUGE amount of money which could support everything from education, to health care.  Is having a man on the moon THAT imnportant? Is a picture of Mars worth more than a picture of a child with a High School diploma in their hand or a picture of a homeless shelter that was boarded up and had a "CLOSED" sign on the door because it wasn't required?

Just something to think about.

I see our brother River has some *conservative* leanings.

I have to agree with you, River. The amount of money spent on space research is staggering. One has to wonder what possible benefit this kind of research can have to humanity as a whole. Sure, it's great to see the pictures, and to gaze in wonder at them, but what practicable application does space research have? Where is the benefit of the countless billions that we sink into space research every year? A bunch of pictures? Some scientific data? The possibility that there could have been life on Mars? I mean, really, what's the bottom line here?

Oh, and another point: What is we completely disassembled the space program, and put the technological resources of NASA into developing alternative sources of energy? Wouldn't an endeavor like this be more worthwhile and beneficial to humanity?

[nebula]

I was on the astronomy board about this question. It seems like the #1 reason people are against Bush's proposal is the "feeding the hungry" argument. Then some add things about other uses for the money.

But we all keep asking, does anyone really believe that if we shut down NASA that money would go towards social programs or technology inventions?

NO!!!

Actually, space programs have advanced our technology. Who knows but that in trying to cut down the space program costs and looking for more efficient ways for humans to survive space travel we don't end up developing those alternate energy sources?

[Ovedya]

If I remember my history, the space program was formed for the sole purpose of being the first nation to land on the moon. The intent of the program has grown since then, of course. But what has the practical benefit of the space program been since its inception? A better understanding of our universe, of course, but all of that just to gain knowledge?

I agree that the space program has provided many of the advances in technology. However, if this is the real benefit of the program, then we should devote the resources to projects here on the ground. If advances in technology are the real benefit, then why not change the program's goals toward advancing our technology here on earth?

[nebula]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Don't know what you can make until you need it.

[whatsitmean]

Let

[Tyler]

Please excuse me if I am incorrect!

The U.S. Gov't spent 810 million to get to mars? I say Bravo at least they ACCOMPLISHED something!

The Canadian Gov't has spent over 1 BILLION dollars on Gun Registration!

You want to talk about wasting money????????????? :x:

What did we get for our money? Absolutely NOTHING! I wish We would of spent the money to go to Mars instead of on gun control...at least I could brag a little!

Tyler