The transformative value of liberating Mars by Jacob Haqq-Misra

Jacob Haqq-Misra

Water exists in the Martian ice caps, and some minerals on Mars may be useful for industry.

But in general, you are correct that any Martian settlement will require at least an initial inventory of supplies from Earth--and will probably benefit from periodic shipments of supplies (at least, until the colony itself becomes self-sustaining by producing its own food, etc.).

Jacob Haqq-Misra

Thanks for the kind words, Peter! I'm glad you enjoyed my essay, and I share your hopes that any eventual space settlement will learn from the past and avoid the bloody wars often linked to colonization (although the example of India's non-violent revolution is an interesting counterpoint). Political independence of a Martian colony seems like an eventual inevitability--but I worry more about lasting corporate control that could transcend political boundaries. Nevertheless, perhaps we can find clever ways of repaying investors that avoid some of these pitfalls from history.

Also, I appreciate your interest in our research institute! Here is a link to our website--and feel free to send us a message if you'd like to be added to our public email list. www.bmsis.org

Cheers,

Jacob

Jacob Haqq-Misra

Hi Robert, thanks for the comments!

You may be correct that humanity will solve the problems of the commons on Earth--and I do hope this is the case. But in the even that we don't, then I worry that Mars will be an extension of our unsustainable development patterns. Even at interplanetary distances, I'm not convinced at autonomy is inevitable for a Martian settlement. (But if we instead talk about interstellar colonies, then I agree.) Trade would be tricky, and the initial Martian colony might be reliant on goodwill donations from Earth. However, in the event that the Martian colony eventually did succeed, then trade restrictions should eventually be relaxed and allow for interaction between these two, independent civilizations.

Getting past the "wild west" phase of Martian colonization is a big risk, too. However, I think that this anarchic phase may be precisely the stimulus needed to derive better forms of governance than we have today.

Cheers,

Jacob

Robert de Neufville

I agree that Mars is close enough to Earth to fall under terrestrial influence (although I also think that its distance and its alienness would inevitably give it some degree of autonomy). My point was mostly that I'm not sure how sharp a break would be possible, given the incentives people will have to get around the rules. Of course, that doesn't mean it's not worth trying to enforce the separation between the two worlds.

If you get the chance, by the way, I would love it you took a look at my own essay. I would be really interested to hear your thoughts.

Robert

James Hoover

Jacob,

With the new plasma-powered engine, the trip to and back from Mars is months rather than years, so we are not talking of severed contact for years. I fully agree with your concept of planetary citizenship, a level of commitment to the planet not short-term gain. My essay speaks of "looking beyond" scientific orthodoxy and our planet and "within" a underused brain, the microcosm of the universe.

I see your point about a new start but wonder if that is the answer, but I must say the most daunting task is to work together for a viable future. I don't have the answer either.

Jim

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