Why are we trying to colonize Mars?
Because as Heinlein said: > The Earth is just too small and fragile a basket for the human race to keep all its eggs in. or as Randall Munroe observed: > The universe is probably littered with the one-planet graves of cultures which made the sensible economic decision that there's no good…
The Short Answer
Because as Heinlein said: > The Earth is just too small and fragile a basket for the human race to keep all its eggs in. or as Randall Munroe observed: > The universe is probably littered with the one-planet graves of cultures which made the sensible economic decision that there's no good reason to go into space–each discovered, studied, and remembered by the ones who made the irrational decision. There is nothing we particularly need on Mars. There is no good reason to live on Mars, but if you looked at it cold and calculating enough there is also no good reason to live on Earth. We have to ways we can go from here. Humanity can stay on earth and die with its planet at some point in the future or we can go out there and spread ourselves among the stars. Mars is the first step on the second path, we don't know were it will lead and what benefits it will bring us, but the other one is literally a dead end.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Earth, good, reason
This explanation focuses on earth, good, reason and spans 175 words across 7 sentences. At 157% above the average Space & Astronomy explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Because as Heinlein said: > The Earth is just too small and fragile a basket for the human race to keep all its eggs” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in Space & Astronomy
Ranked #6 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 2%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why we trying to colonize mars?
Because as Heinlein said: > The Earth is just too small and fragile a basket for the human race to keep all its eggs in. or as Randall Munroe observed: > The universe is probably littered with the one-planet graves of cultures which made the…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 175 words, ranked #6 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are earth, good, reason.
What approach does this answer take to explain we trying to colonize mars?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 175 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.