3 ms·

Why colonize Mars? Why not Moon?

• whiplash451 11mo ago
  The moon has no atmosphere. It is regularly hit by meteorites. Not sure it’s a very safe place to set up a colony. Not like Mars is an amazing trip either, but the Moon is simply unsafe long term.
  • dmix 11mo ago
    Plus Mars has a far more interesting history so the people living there can do more fun science than stare out at dusty grey rock.
• mwigdahl 11mo ago
  Mars has larger deposits of water and volatiles, which help with early space expansion. You can start with a single Moon base but generally it isn't worth the mission control investment once you start to build out Mars.
• glenstein 11mo ago
  As others have noted, the moon has significant limitations, in terms of resources and atmosphere. I do think it may have utility, not for anything we might consider settlements or habitats, but perhaps domed science outposts.