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In Reply to: Let's all build a rocket & go to Mars posted by Observer on January 21, 2004 at 19:01:56:
I'll offer a perspective from one who has worked for NASA, Rockwell, and Boeing at the Kennedy Space Center:
You are absolutely correct that sending robotic rovers to Mars is far more efficient and cheaper than sending humans. The problem, however, is that without capturing the imagination of the U.S. taxpayers by sending astronauts to Mars, there will be little pressure put on Conggress to do much of anything in deep space anymore.
Something else to consider:
The total NASA budget is less than 1% of the total U.S. budget.
The jobs and new technologies for which America's space efforts are responsible must not be ignored when considering whether or not to send people to Mars.
Now that I've defended NASA, I must also say that this government agency has also done some very wasteful and careless actions during its 40-plus history. 40% of the shuttle fleet has been lost with all crew, the international space station is on life support with a 2-man janatorial crew, and it's purpose and capabilities grow increasingly trivial. There is definately room for improvement in this agency.
