‘mars is not Just a Destination, it’s our Destiny’

It is important to educate the youth about Mars as it will be a prominent destination for robotic and human astronaut missions in the coming decades, Dr Jim Rice, a senior Nasa expert has said.

Dr Rice said Mars is not just a destination for humans, but is “our destiny”.

“I believe it is important for the youth to study Mars because this planet figures to be a prominent destination for not only robotic missions but also a place where astronauts will voyage to in the coming decades. These future efforts will require a well-educated, technologically competent and motivated workforce to fund, plan, build and test and operate all these missions. This workforce will come from today’s youth. Additionally, exploring Mars provides the opportunity to possibly answer intriguing questions such as the origin and evolution of life off the Earth,” he added.

“Another reason for the importance of Mars exploration is more a long-range goal. Mars will be mankind’s next home in the cosmos after Earth. The history of mankind clearly shows that we are an extremely curious species as well as the planet’s greatest explorers. In fact, I assert that this curiosity and sense of exploration has allowed mankind to not only survive but flourish on this planet.”

When asked if human residency on Mars is actually achievable, Dr Rice said: “Yes, absolutely. Mars in not merely a destination but our destiny. However, there is much work to be done before this happens. It will challenge our imagination, dedication and technological prowess and many of the advancements made in order to achieve this goal will have direct benefits for people back on Earth. I have always felt that mankind must explore or expire.”