First of all, let me explain my reasoning for exploring, settling and evolving Mars. It's clear to anyone even mildly in-touch with modern science that we (the human race) is on the verge of using up the vital resources that mother Earth has provided us with. The list is extensive, from global warming, to over-fishing in most of the world's seas, to wide starvation and disease across scores of nations, to fossil fuels eventually dwindling in supply. Of course, there's the population explosion.

Assume for argument's sake that the planet Earth is about used-up when it comes to natural resources. What do we do about it. There are so many things that are near irreversible, that we must start practicing alternatives.

Naturally, one of the greatest of these that is common to anyone in the Western World, is our dependence on fossil fuels. We absolutely cannot make more. Once its all gone, its gone. End of story. Our only solution to this problem is to research alternative means of propulsion for transportation. Okay, easy enough, right? Sure, solar energy, fuel cells, etc...

Population explosion.....hmmm.. tough one. That's one that mother nature tends to solve fo us. New diseases keep constantly evolving and challenging modern science.

MARS DIRECT

'Mars Direct' is a plan to put human beings on Mars and to start exploring and inhabiting Mars. It is a concept that Dr. Zubrin developed (though not single-handedly) and presented in his book THE CASE FOR MARS. Here is an outline of his plan: These ideas are not mine , and this is a paraphrasing of Dr. Zubrin's book.

If you are interested enough to read this section, then you should read the book. His writing style is not nearly as clinical as you might expect from a 'rocket scientist'. He presents his ideas clearly, concisely, with plenty of scientific data to back up his claims, without too much data. He presnts the reader with some chemistry equations and rudimentary astro-physics (or whatever you want to call it), but provides you with background knowledge to understand any concepts that would require a specialized degree in the field. In other words, if you are a college student or have at least a Bachelor's degree, you will find the book aimed a reading level that is neither above, nor beneath you. What I found amazing, was that he is even able to write in a style that made me laugh a few times. Its somewhat conversational in nature, rather than a textbook.