Habitating Mars seems to be made feasible within the next century. Elon Musk hopes to live and die on Mars after the first launch towards the red planet is about to take place within a couple of years from now. Tycoons of the earthly world consider escaping a nuclear habitat, result of WWIII, to a more friendly planet. But, why Mars? How about the more approachable luna? Perhaps it's already taken?
Mars has excited the space industry of three earthly states: USA, China and UAE. Do they know better? Possibly. The moon has been too close to Earth not to fall into the manipulation of those observing it as a space weapon or space base. Moreover, some say it's already obsolete.
The trip to Mars takes 130 to 260 earthly days and no one knows if it's worth taking the risk. Therefore, Mars is something similar to Antarctica; a place for discovery arranged for those with a scientific purpose. But what next? Will it turn to something like Australia? i.e. a continent to be used as a prison colony? How would you persuade a Earthian to become a Martian? Unless there is the lure of freedom or the promise of a wonderland? To that respect men of no land would push and shove to gain a seat to the shuttle which would lead them to the Mars experiment.
And then comes the issue of cost. Is it worth financing the habitation a planet with the "scum" of the Earth? Would the lonely Red be kept for a surviving elite or take the space travel risk seriously into consideration and fill the space with Laikas? If they make it, so be it. If not, no big deal. Some have to die for the implementation of knowledge.
Mars is less than a year afar. Applications for taking the one-way trip are about to be announced. Be vigilant.
