We want to avoid contaminating Mars before we explore it so we can learn more about the origin of life on Earth, and the distribution of life in the universe. I

We want to avoid contaminating Mars before we explore it so we can learn more about the origin of life on Earth, and the distribution of life in the universe. It's not like terraforming technology is ready to go and the researchers are holding it back with unreasonable demands. A Mars landing brings your dream of colonization no closer while potentially ruining a scientific dream that is just as valid, and far more achievable.