PRC in Space

[Atomic Mitten]

Maybe the Chinese will even find the American flag on the moon ?

To squash the rumours that Apollo 11 was fimed in a Studio in California.

This should be interesting indeed ! ;)

[Caid Ivik]

Space program of China is just plain propaganda. Western projects are plain science. There are no real attempts to start i.e.terraformation of Mars. When there will be even a base established, it would be done to preserve martian nature, not to make new residential zones.

[Dude_Doc]

And what do we have to preserve on Mars? Rocks? Yes, of course we should explore Mars before we do anything drastical, but in the long end, I believe Mars will be colonized, and terraformed, because the storms and temperature is just too dangerous now.

[HasimirFenring]

"Western projects are plain science."

Umm actually Western projects (in particular the moon landing) were also pure propaganda ("Hey look, we're better than the commies!"). The important thing is that another nation is pursuing space travel (regardless of motives). I think this is a step in the right direction.

[Caid Ivik]

And what do we have to preserve on Mars? Rocks? Yes, of course we should explore Mars before we do anything drastical, but in the long end, I believe Mars will be colonized, and terraformed, because the storms and temperature is just too dangerous now.

Scientists will try to preserve the planet as it is to continue research. Erosion and such things will disrupt their "sanctuary". Also planet-size terraforming isn't cheapiest thing to do, so I don't expect this project starting soon...

[Edric O]

Well, if you're interested in the terraforming issue, you should read Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy.

[Caid Ivik]

This is not a technical problem, I wouldn't say it is a sci-fi task now. But finances would be enormous. And still that research problem. You can't find out how it was on Mars before, when you change the enviroment.

[Dude_Doc]

Also planet-size terraforming isn't cheapiest thing to do, so I don't expect this project starting soon...

Well, neither do I. But I believe it is our future.