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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Why would anyone want a one way trip to Mars?

83 replies

dougierose · 17/02/2015 19:53

I suppose they feel that they'll get their names into the history books. But what a waste: young, gifted, so much to offer our own Earth world. Are they mad or just mega egotistical?

OP posts:
dementedma · 17/02/2015 19:53

Can I nominate my husband?

valsamicbinegar · 17/02/2015 19:56

I don't know, but I can think of plenty of people I'd like to buy one for.....

LaurieFairyCake · 17/02/2015 19:58

Undiagnosed suicidal ideation.

The desire to actually live is stronger than narcissism so I'm going with the above.

Very sad IMO

ThisFenceIsComfy · 17/02/2015 19:58

If I didn't have my son and DP, I would go.

For the reason that you will be going to Mars! You will see space first hand, another planet first hand. I would be first in the queue.

ThisFenceIsComfy · 17/02/2015 19:58

Haha I'm very sad. But I would have been in space so it balances out.

Edenviolet · 17/02/2015 20:00

If I didn't have dcs I'd go

YouTheCat · 17/02/2015 20:00

I can think of several politicians I'd like to see blasted into space.

AwfulBeryl · 17/02/2015 20:00

in the name of science ? Not just to be in the history books but to live and breath something you're really passionate about. I wouldn't want to do it but can see why people would.

You would have to be a certain sort of person to pass all the psychological tests anyway wouldn't you. I imagine they would value science and research more than having a partner and children.

Original poster
dougierose · 17/02/2015 20:02

But if you just want to be in space, why not buy a Richard Branson space tourist ticket? And if it's safe, why hasn't Elon Musk been in space yet?

63 days is how long it is claimed that they will last. Madness.

OP posts:
PinkParsnips · 17/02/2015 20:03

I saw something on the news a few months back about a lady who's signed up to do it who has at least 1 young DC, possibly two I can't quite remember and I just thought that was so sad for those poor children.

ThisFenceIsComfy · 17/02/2015 20:06

Because you would be going further, to Mars. Up and down on Richard Branson's shuttle isn't the same (although I wouldn't turn it down, if you're listening Richard).

Why did any explorer go anywhere? Although admittedly this one does end in certain death.

EdithSitwell · 17/02/2015 20:06

One of them said her family was fully supportive. If I was her parent I'd be heartbroken.

ThisFenceIsComfy · 17/02/2015 20:06

But I wouldn't leave my son, not for anything

phoenixrose314 · 17/02/2015 20:07

I thought the same thing.

But they must really want to do it... whatever their reasons, we should be thankful someone out there is willing to take that chance in the name of exploration and that we're not sending up more defenceless animals or people against their will.

SwedishEdith · 17/02/2015 20:07

But isn't the "young, gifted, so much to offer our own Earth world" exactly why they want to go? Whatever they learn there will be for the greater scientific benefit for all? Well, that's the criteria, I assume, they're being judged on. No way would I go - what if you didn't fancy any of the other people? And I think Mars would be pretty boring after a few hours weeks

LaurieFairyCake · 17/02/2015 20:07

How exactly is there science and research Confused

Isn't it just 'oh that's a bit red and dusty and fuck me I can't breathe' then death?

SurlyCue · 17/02/2015 20:09

Many many explorers in the past did so knowing they would probably never return home. This is just the same as all those voyages to discover far off lands. Some did it to get to the moon.

Should we all just stay in the same town we were born and never venture past our comfort zones? Confused

LaurieFairyCake · 17/02/2015 20:10

Yep Grin

Where there's beer and cake preferably

JerryAtric · 17/02/2015 20:11

I know one of them. They are incredibly intelligent, quite large of ego, and fascinated with science/astronomy etc.

I imagine it just seems like an awesome experience. Couldn't pay me enough...

ThisFenceIsComfy · 17/02/2015 20:11

Well there is quite a bit to learn from another planet, to put it quite mildly. That's a bit like saying, "oh yeah that universe out there, well it's probably not all that important".

Robots are ok, but humans can explore, collect, investigate in such a remarkably more efficient way.

Original poster
dougierose · 17/02/2015 20:11

That's assuming that they'll actually get there. The journey itself must be pretty dodgy.

OP posts:
bumbleymummy · 17/02/2015 20:13

I don't know. I don't see the appeal tbh.

LaurieFairyCake · 17/02/2015 20:13

What's the death plan?

Is there suicide pills or only slow asphyxiation?

It's quite different setting out and thinking I may not see Blighty again but set up in French Polynesia eating orange cake to .. I'm off to certain death

NoisyOyster · 17/02/2015 20:14

Am I the only cynical one who thinks especially as this is being touted as a reality show alongside, that it'll actually turn out to be a massive con, the "astronauts" will think they're being blasted off into space but in reality will be in one of those moving simulator thingys and 4 months later they will "arrive" at Mars..... Hmm

AwfulBeryl · 17/02/2015 20:15

Is it really only 63 days that they would survive ? I thought (from half watching Brain Cox on the television) that they would be able to send supplies, but wouldn't be able to fuel the journey home.