Honestly, today, there have been several students share their thoughts on both sides of the argument of the value of sending a craft to Mars, with positives, negatives, and fence riders. I'm normally not an fan of riding the fence on an issue, but that's where I'm at. I suppose I'm riding the fence because I don't know what potential benefits are hoped to be obtained from the mission.
For example, if exploration of Mars this way helps better understand climate of a planet that could somehow help us to learn how to better manage our climate and reduce the number of weather disasters, then the 27 billion dollar price tag may be worth the value. If exploration of Mars is just to see if we can beat another country to achieve the feat, then perhaps the price tag is just too high.
I honestly think I remember some other country doing something with Mars not to long ago...was it Russia or Japan or China or maybe even like Saudi Arabia....I can't remember if it was a satellite or perhaps even another machine on the planet. Maybe I'll have to look that one up. With that in mind, I'm not even sure the United States is the first country to do this. And to be honest, I don't know how many attempts have been tried and failed...maybe the price tag for this accomplishment is beyond 27 billion dollars.
I can say this...I feel happiness for the folks in that command center. Seeing that joy of accomplishment was uplifting and inspiring. I bet there were a few parties that evening, right Mr. Peterson?
Taylor, Jacob,
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