ESA To Decide Between 3 Space Missions

[mosaix]

Originally Posted by paranoid marvin

Shouldn't we get our own planet in order before trying to go any further?

If we wait that long, we'll never go anywhere, PM.

[Vertigo]

And there's also the risk, the way we are going, that it might be too late.

[Metryq]

Originally Posted by paranoid marvin

Shouldn't we get our own planet in order before trying to go any further?

This assumes that all of humanity is united in one direction, which will never happen, even if there were no wars, or whatever gauge you are using. (Consider the differences of opinion over a mere three space missions.)

Sometimes there are also higher priorities. For example, if you put off replacing the burned out light outside your door and mowing the lawn until the inside of the house is "in order," some thug may decide the place looks like easy pickings, or a guest arriving for dinner one night will trip on the stairs.

[paranoid marvin]

I'd say the more we explore outside of our world, the more likely we are to encounter something we can't handle - whichever way you want to take that statement. We cannot tolerate our own species most of the time, we certainly don't treat other species on our planet any better; how would we cope with an alien lieform? How would they react to us? I fear it would end up more 'Starship Troopers' than 'Close Encounters'. And what if we found something really big - like substantial proof that there was (or wasn't) a god(s)? How would we deal with that?

Unlike most other animals on our planet, we still haven't evolved past killing each other. We cannot live together on this world, how would the rest of the galaxy welcome us? If roles were reversed, would we want to encounter a race that was just as likely to kill us as shake our hand?

Personally , as a race, I don't believe we are mature enough to step beyond our own doorstep yet. Whether it's a case of stopping oppression , or simply feeding a starving child, I think we should look inward before we look out.

And anyway, as far as exploration is concerned , there is so much undiscovered on our own rock. If we absolutely have to spend vast amounts of money on discovery, then why not explore our oceans - or even below that? I'm not talking 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' or 'The Core' , but perhaps we could turn our eye to what is under the earth rather than above it.

The day may come when disaster (natural or man made) and it is no longer possible to dwell on the surface. Surely underwater cities are a much more feasible solution than spacestations or colonies on other planets?

[Metryq]

Originally Posted by paranoid marvin

we still haven't evolved past killing each other.

So, all other creatures are fluffy and cuddly and approachable? And our behavior is "unnatural" just because we're humans? Evolution does not produce ultimate, "best" solutions, it produces only competitive solutions.

Whether it's a case of stopping oppression , or simply feeding a starving child, I think we should look inward before we look out.

There's that liberal "we" again. Humans are not omnipotent, yet somehow it is our obligation to right every wrong on the planet—especially when there is no agreement over what is right and what is wrong. Perhaps you're oppressing those who wish to explore space.

If we absolutely have to spend vast amounts of money on discovery, then why not explore our oceans - or even below that?

Now wait a minute—is it better for wanton savages like us to be corrupting and destroying unexplored habitats where life is known to exist, or poking around desolate rocks that appear to be completely lifeless?

The day may come when disaster (natural or man made) and it is no longer possible to dwell on the surface. Surely underwater cities are a much more feasible solution than spacestations or colonies on other planets?

And if the disaster affects more than just the surface? What do you mean by "solution"? Do you think extra-terrestrial exploration is about moving the entire populace to somewhere else?

[mosaix]

The infighting's started...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17773383

[J-Sun]

Old news but I just caught it and it doesn't seem to have hit this thread yet - I wasn't surprised that mosaix's link said it was "in pole position" but it's apparently final. ESA approves JUICE. Better than nothing, anyway.

[Vertigo]

Well as you say not too surprising. Lets face it they are all pretty exciting ideas shame one is all we can afford.