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The problem is that we don't all know that. One thing I've learned over many years talking about this on and offline is that only a fraction of people are aware

The problem is that we don't all know that. One thing I've learned over many years talking about this on and offline is that only a fraction of people are aware that "The big rocket to get you to Mars in a hurry," isn't the hardest part of a Mars colony. When you talk to people about microbiome research, the challenges of even modestly reduced gravity, radiation exposure, the *cost* of getting even the most conservative starter pack of water, food, crops, etc... People either don't get it, or more often, never thought about it. When you remind them that "self-sustaining" means that your colony needs to PRODUCE everything it needs for survival, with no bad years, and do so reliably... they start to get the picture. And what's the value of a Martian colony that's dependent on Earth to survive? I should say, the value that the Moon doesn't have and then some? Once again eyes glaze over.

eesmith 2y ago
I am appropriately corrected, thank you. After 20 years, I don't understand why that issue isn't at the forefront of the discussion, given how having a self-sustaining independent ecosystem here on earth is much more likely to help with most of the global catastrophes people use to advocate for being a multi-planetary species. New plague that's 99.9% fatal? Button up and work on a cure. Asteroid impact that destroys surface life for 10,000 years? Good thing we have several self-sustaining independent ecosystems built underground. Need a place for 100 million climate refugees? Good thing we know how to build settlements that require little more than bare land and solar power.
- EA-3167 2y ago
  You are a breath of fresh air on this topic.
- rsynnott 2y ago
  > why that issue isn't at the forefront of the discussion Because there’s no real, serious discussion. No-one serious thinks there’s anything to this “flee to Mars” business; it’s pure fantasy.

eesmith 2y ago

I am appropriately corrected, thank you. After 20 years, I don't understand why that issue isn't at the forefront of the discussion, given how having a self-sustaining independent ecosystem here on earth is much more likely to help with most of the global catastrophes people use to advocate for being a multi-planetary species. New plague that's 99.9% fatal? Button up and work on a cure. Asteroid impact that destroys surface life for 10,000 years? Good thing we have several self-sustaining independent ecosystems built underground. Need a place for 100 million climate refugees? Good thing we know how to build settlements that require little more than bare land and solar power.

EA-3167 2y ago
You are a breath of fresh air on this topic.
rsynnott 2y ago
> why that issue isn't at the forefront of the discussion Because there’s no real, serious discussion. No-one serious thinks there’s anything to this “flee to Mars” business; it’s pure fantasy.