Why colonize Mars? Why not Moon?

whiplash451 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

The moon has no atmosphere. It is regularly hit by meteorites. Not sure it’s a very safe place to set up a colony.

Not like Mars is an amazing trip either, but the Moon is simply unsafe long term.

	▲	dmix 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		Plus Mars has a far more interesting history so the people living there can do more fun science than stare out at dusty grey rock.

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glenstein 2 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

As others have noted, the moon has significant limitations, in terms of resources and atmosphere. I do think it may have utility, not for anything we might consider settlements or habitats, but perhaps domed science outposts.

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mwigdahl 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Mars has larger deposits of water and volatiles, which help with early space expansion.

You can start with a single Moon base but generally it isn't worth the mission control investment once you start to build out Mars.