Red planet hypothetical

January 31st, 2008 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0) |

(Hypothetical Thursday is much more fun if you leave a comment with your answer and reasoning and engage with other commenters as to why they are/aren’t insane for choosing their answer. Have at it!)

You have the opportunity to be the first human to live on Mars via a NASA-sponsored solo mission. You will be the first person to step onto the red surface of the fourth planet, while humanity watches the broadcast on television and the internet. The only requirement is that you must leave in six months and live on Mars for ten years, performing various scientific experiments and preparing things for the first multinational group of humans who will arrive immediately before you depart.

You will have contact with Earth while you’re there, and you’ll be able to have video conversations with friends and loved ones. Additionally, you’ll be an instant celebrity and your name will be written in the books of history.

If it was guaranteed that you would survive the mission and return to Earth in ten years in perfect health, would you agree to the mission?