Hypothetical: Would You Rather Be The 13th Person On The Moon And Come Home, Or The 1st Ever Person On Mars But You Die There?

 

Lots of hoopla about Mars these days since we put another robot on it. Lots of whispers that they want to put a human being on Mars in our lifetime. Sure we've heard this for the last 10-20 years (and I'm sure our parents heard the same thing, etc), but little by little, especially with privatized space flight, it's looking more like a reality. 

And with manned missions to Mars means someone will be the new Neil Armstrong. (Note: I'm writing this blog under the assumption we actually did go to the moon, which if you know me, you know I don't fully believe, but alas, let's roll with it for the time being.) Armstrong is revered in history as the first human to touch down on the Moon. "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" is a quote that everyone knows, the first words spoken not on our planet. 

So needless to say, the first steps on Mars would be a huge deal. Humans on another PLANET. It's hard to compute how big of a deal it would be. And one human would get the distinction of being the first person to touch toes on the Red Planet. Possibly the biggest deal in history. 

So let's imagine you're an astronaut. NASA or Elon calls you into their office. Sits you down. Asks if you want a water. You say no you're fine. You get mad at yourself because you actually do want a water, you just didn't want to answer yes to that question. And then NASA gives you the hypothetical. They tell you they are planning a moon mission and a Mars mission and you are a candidate for both. If you choose to go to the Moon, you will be the 13th person to go to there, and you will return home in one piece. If you go to Mars though, they haven't perfected the technology, and you will have to stay there until you die. You will never see your family again. But you will go down in history as the first person on Mars. 

Going to the moon would be great. 13th person on the moon is nothing to scuff at. But going to Mars? I think you have to. I just think you never turn down the chance to be the first person in human history (that we know of) to go. Yeah, it'll be lonely and all of that. Or I guess you'll have a team with you, who will also die there. 

I think the obvious, yes obvious, answer is go to Mars. Be a legend. Live forever. Have your name synonymous with the all time greats in world history. Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Colt McCoy, first person on Mars. 

I understand if you pick moon. You get to do something extremely rare, and live to tell about it. You get to see the Earth from the lunar surface. You get to take pictures. And you get to come back and tell girls in bars you have been on the moon. THE MOON! Pretty much the sickest brag one can have. But you know what? It ain't Mars. Which actually, typing this paragraph, sort of depressed me. Going to Mars but not being able to brag about it SUCKS. Almost makes me want to change my answer. But still. Be the first, not the 13th. That's my vote.