As we were driving David back to his hotel last week he brought up an interesting concept:  it is possible that SpaceX could deliver humans to Mars, but it would be a one way ticket.  You could go to Mars but would have no way of returning home to Earth.  He asked if I would take the ticket.

I had never thought of that concept before. With Dr. Zubrin’s plan, which to date I believe is the most viable plan I have heard of to get humans on the red planet, we could send refueling rockets to Mars before the humans arrive so we have a way home. What if we decided to simply go all out? Explore like the pioneers did when they were settling America. When the pioneers started venturing west they didn’t really have a way home either. They didn’t know where they would live or if they would even survive the journey. After many years and in no small part thanks to those pioneers we have grown in to one of the worlds most powerful nations. Could the same thing, nay, should the same thing happen on Mars?

The space geek in you may be inclined to jump up and say “YES! I would go to Mars no matter the cost!!!” But really think about it. You will have to build everything yourself. If you walk outside without protection you will die. Initially there won’t be any advanced plumbing. You may need to go vegetarian for years or the rest of your life. No Internet. Communications with Earth will be delayed by at least 3 minutes in each direction. You will never see your family again unless you brought them. You could run out of food, water or supplies that will sustain your life at any time.

So, would you take a one way ticket to Mars and why or why not?  I won’t post what I answered just yet, I would like to get your thoughts before I tell you how I replied to David.