Consul General of the US in Joburg shares his thoughts on the Red Planet
NEWTOWN – US consul general in Johannesburg, Christopher Rowan, weighs in on Mars debate
The notion of human settlement on Mars, temporary or permanent, is fast gaining traction, with leaders from the political sphere also weighing in on the debate.
Christopher Rowan, Consul General of the United States in Johannesburg, waxed lyrical on the giant leaps made by science. Rowan expressed delight at the mind-opening discussions that have been led in order to advance knowledge and deepen humanity’s understanding of outer space.
“One of the key themes that I’ve picked up from the discussions [that have taken place] is that the next major exploration that the world will do will be the world. We’re way past the days of US and Soviet space races,” he said.
Rowan is adamant, however, that in order for the mysteries of the universe to be fully uncovered, including the expedition to Mars, a working relationship between the various leaders in space exploration is essential. “It’s going to have to be a collaboration. It could be any combination of the United States, the Russians, the Japanese, the European Space Agency members, so that’s really exciting,” Rowan exclaimed.
The Consul General also indicated that an innovative approach towards raising the necessary capital needed to fund trips to Mars, even in the case of the National Aeronautics Space Administration (Nasa) – which could run into several tens of billions of dollars, is required. He said, “People will have to be just as innovative in the fundraising as what they will be in the science. It is, however, safe to say that a feasible funding model is yet to be established,” he explained.
Speaking on the cons that could negate space exploration into Mars, Rowan said the challenges are considerable. “Mars poses challenges which span a hostile atmosphere, difficult gases and cold temperatures,” he pointed out. “There are many things to overcome but I think that people are really drawn to it and are excited, just as we are.”
Read: NASA has just discovered 7 Earth-like planets!
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