Which way is the best way to visit and/or settle Mars? Should it be a private project, like Mars One, or a public project, like the Curiosity Rover.
Keep in mind that the Rover was most likely a part of the Constellation program that was canceled. It had been in the works for too long for the administration to kill it. So, it is most likely surveying the planet to learn as much about it as possible about it before actually sending anybody there.
Now, you've got this Mars One project planned that will send its own rover in the not too distant future. It will actively seek good sites for a colony. The plan is to settle the red planet with volunteers beginning in about 10 years. They won't be coming back.
If anyone is to live on Mars for the rest of their lives, they had better find water. That's just the beginning. After that, they must be able to grow their own food. There's plenty of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, but it isn't quite that simple. You need everything that you have on Earth, plus you have to make your own shelter that not only is airtight, but has to shield you against harmful radiation. This is going to be a real challenge. They will have to build their own stuff eventually, if there is to be more than one generation of people living there. Who wants to be the last of a dying breed? My verdict---too ambitious.
The government is much more conservative and thorough. Normally, I don't praise the government, but a "take it slow and steady approach" to something this ambitious is likely to have more of a chance at success.
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