New Mars Forums

Anarchy would never work unless they also happen to be billionaires capable of paying their own way to Mars, paying for habitat, protection, etc. That is NEVER going to happen.

Are people suggesting that governments will simply take on the huge burden of sending people to Mars simply so they can brake off and create their own "anarchic" societies?

It seems to me that colonizing other planets always seems to bring out everbody's deepest dreams about their own "perfect society", many of which have been tried and failed, back on Earth.

It's really unbelievable the amount they'll waste on the F-22 program for the Air Force. The development was insane and then each fighter will cost several hundred million a piece, and to make things worse they play politics and force cuts in the JSF program (fighters only 40-60 mil each) so the Air Force can afford to pay for more F-22s.

It's no wonder NASA suffers so much in America's lobby-happy political environment.

Hey everyone,

I was just curious, what's the status on people being able to choose their baby's eye colour, etc? And what about trying to enhance intelligence, speed, strength etc?

Is any of this kind of research happening right now?

Just wondering, was talking with friends and the topic came up, couldn't find much online though.

I think the most important thing, as mentioned by others, is to have strict separation of church and state on Mars.

These days there are so many countries and governments being influenced by special interest religious groups it blows my mind.

The government will get there first, but then the private companies will take over once they figure out a way to turn a profit, or even THINK they can turn a profit.

Remember, the dot.com bubble was based on future expectations, I could see the same thing happening on Mars one day: mass investment and migration, perhaps followed by a sudden crash once people realise it will take several hundred years to properly colonise and exploit the planet.

Who knows though, anything can happen I guess.

I partially with what you're saying, but I suppose my question is taking a longer view on the whole thing. I'm making the assumption that people have the choice to move around more freely.

Also, I think even if it was difficult to move around, but not impossible, there could at least be corporate-sponsored settlements in areas that were considerd potentially lucrative. Aren't there supposed to valuable minerals and/or something to do with the nuclear power process?

You're lucky you're young. The EU is planning to make their first manned trip to Mars around the time you're 40 years old. The US may go a bit earlier, but it depends on how much time they spend on their Moon plans.

Be careful there, orders do not mean final sales.

I'm sure the first year or two before Boeing's 787 comes out will be fine, but once they're in direct competition we will see which plane the airlines favour. It's a good point made above that A380 could become a freighter though, I think several Asian airlines already have that in mind.

Also, I've noticed that several 787 orders have been cancelled lately because of airlines' financial problems.

That's interesting, I didn't know SKorea wanted to get in on the space exploration game. And wouldn't have expected them to go with the Russians, but I guess it makes sense (nervous about China, still resent Japan, EU too far away).

Didn't know India was jumping on the bandwagon as well, certainly doesn't get any press coverage.

I'm glad to see so many countries joining the fray though. A healthy mix of both cooperation and competition is good for everyone.

Hello everyone, I would just like to briefly outline what I think is the most likely scenario for government on Mars and hear everyones feedback.

1) Mars science colony or colonies. At first, a US science base with perhaps some astronauts from US allied countries. EU, Russia, and China, will either be part of this first colony, create their own colonies by themselves, or join up to create rival colonies (EU and US versus Russia and China).

2) Colonisation. This is where it becomes tricky. Two propositions in mainstream debate on Earth: national governments on Mars, or unified government.

2a) Unified government. This will be more like the UN Security Council, or some other small group of the wealthy countries that funded Mars exploration. Realistically, most countries will have no say on what happens on Mars. The most powerful groups will sort out voting rights among themselves on how to make major colonisation expansion decisions.

Eventually I think the unified government will split and nationalise once Mars becomes economically productive, because people will fight over the money. In fact, it may break up even faster if their is disagreement on how fast Mars can be put to economically productive use versus scientific exploration.

2b) National governments on Mars from the start. Unlikely because people will be jealous of whoever has a headstart (most likely US). National government colonies could lead to the "Great Mars Land Grab". The US and its allies would have the advantage of a headstart. Russia and China have advantage of more decisive government models to aggressively promote, and pay for (especially China) mass colonisation of Mars. India may join in with either US or China side, depending on where it feels it could a better deal.

Eventually the national government factions would probably also lead to further factionalisation and new "countries" being declared on Mars.

3) There is also the "wild card" scenario where Mars rebels against the Earth, which would be easier under the unified government model. If Mars successfully broke away, it would also inevitably break down and create its own countries, which may or may not receieve backing from "sister" countries on Earth.