British astrophysicist Lord Martin Rees, during a speech at the World Government Summit in Dubai, criticized the founder of SpaceX Elon Musk, who plans to send a million people to Mars by 2050.
British astrophysicist Martin Rees did not mince words when it came to giving his opinion on Elon Musk’s plans to send people to Mars. Thus, the renowned scientist affirmed during the World Government Summit, held in Dubai, that it is “a dangerous illusion” to colonize the neighboring planet.
Rees argues that conditions on the red planet are not suitable for having a human colony, one of the goals of SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who plans to send a million people to Mars by 2050.
“The idea of Elon Musk to have a million people settle on Mars is a dangerous delusion. Living on Mars is no better than living on the South Pole or the tip of Mount Everest”
the astrophysicist was quoted as saying by Sky News.
In turn, American astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who was Rees’ interlocutor during the summit, pointed out that in order to have a comfortable life on Mars, people will have to “convert” it to Earth.
He also explained that resettling on another planet to save oneself from a possible catastrophe on Earth is unrealistic at this time. According to the scientist, under current conditions, it is easier for humanity to prevent the catastrophe itself than to create acceptable conditions on Mars.
However, Tyson urged supporting young people, for whom space is a source of inspiration.
Currently, SpaceX is developing a transport system that sends satellites, crews, and cargo to Mars.
