Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is MarsDrive? What does the name mean?
It is meant to convey our aim to become a driving force or a "catalyst" behind the drive to send humans into space and onto Mars. No single space advocate group, private organization or nation could accomplish all of this on their own but as a catalyst we can play a key role in sparking interest and financial support for Mars exploration.
BackToTop
Q: Do we need public support? Doesn't the government control space programs without regard to public opinion after all?
Without massive and active public support in favor of the new space vision, the laws that need to be changed won't be and we will all remain grounded here and that includes the new private space sector also because without prior research and a market of interested people the private sector will not invest the capital needed for a private future in space. Public support has never been more important. Tell your congress representative that you support NASA, and if you are in another nation, write to your representatives and ask them about your own nations involvement in space.
BackToTop
Q: What is MarsDrive's position on supporting government funded missions?
Governments have traditionally been the major source of funding for human space exploration and for many groups it seems an obvious point to support and advocate for such missions. At MarsDrive we believe governments are vital to space investment and will remain strong customers but we want to explore options for human expansion into space. The private aerospace sector usually builds all the hardware for space missions and we want to encourage that same private space sector at an appropriate time to begin formulating their own space programs with a mix of government and perhaps private customers.
BackToTop
Q: Are you interested in Mars only?
No. Our vision and mission statement clearly reflect our recognition of the importance of all other space priorities as we drive to "Mars and beyond." We favor all forms of exploration be it manned or robotic, private or government; and we also favor space tourism for the opportunity it may present to get us all into sub orbital space sooner and for its ability to inspire larger numbers of people via connecting humanity with the "overview effect" only a few astronauts have had.
BackToTop
Q: Why form another group? Aren't there enough already?
Just as human society contains billions of individuals with their own unique personalities, beliefs and viewpoints we strongly believe that one size does not fit all, especially in a subject which has not traditionally been popular as space is today. The existence and start up of new space groups is but one aspect of what is needed for effective public outreach in the 21st century. Diversity and variety are in this context beneficial and the new ideas they generate are also positive. MarsDrive has a specific focus that is not precisely replicated by any of the space advocacy organizations, especially in regards to our emphasis on public outreach to groups in society that have often been neglected.
BackToTop
Q: Then what do you differently?
Traditionally space groups will propose ideas first then attempt to raise funds or lobby for them with varying degrees of success. Realizing that the space advocacy sector is generally a minority, our way of doing things is to lay a foundation of revenue generation first, THEN we will have the means to pay for our ideas, not just advocate for them to government agencies that may or may not be able to conduct them. We also aim to aggressvely support real world research programs like the NASA Constellation program in word and actions.
BackToTop
Q: What is your policy towards Mars analogue research stations?
We fully support these programs and seek to assist and improve their effectiveness. The first step towards this has happened with one of our members Randall Shelaga attending the Expedition Epsilon at MDRS in February 2008. The Mars Society and others are doing a fantastic job in these areas and we aim to help them improve wherever possible as we strive towards a human future on Mars. We want to encourage ever more complex analogue programs, especially on the Moon.
BackToTop
Q: How are you related to other Mars groups like the Mars Society?
We recently joined forces to help the Mars Society on various projects starting with promotion of their international conference. We are not related to any of them although in some cases we have members in common and in some instances groups are formally affiliated to us (and vice versa). MarsDrive does not compete with other space organizations; much like our contributions to the Mars Gavity Biosatellite project we in fact support them, and work to offer them funding for specific projects.
BackToTop
Q: So is MarsDrive all about public outreach, nothing else?
Not at all. From our mission design program to the Mars Sample Return mission design contest we work at the technical aspects of space as well as public outreach. However, as stated earlier: We are engaged in a human endeavor, not just a scientific one. We need public support - and we need people to be actively and directly involved in creating their own future.
BackToTop
Q: But our group is already trying to raise public support and funding, why do we need MarsDrive?
We can always use more public outreach. No single group has all the answers in this area. Many groups do engage in worthwhile and important research but none of it will mean anything if we cannot get these projects into space some day. One of our key goals is to work towards projects that will help to solve the severe funding issues space exploration faces such as the R&D and construction costs as outlined in our Aims.
So an investment of your resources in the unique programs of MarsDrive will help bring our shared aspirations to fruition - instead of all this work on funding solutions continuing to be ignored due to public disinterest or official apathy. Our aim is honor the years of hard work and dedication within the space community by actually helping such projects be built and operated in space by the very groups that have worked on them.
BackToTop
Q: If I join MarsDrive, can I/we still participate in other groups?
Yes. We encourage you to stay in the group you are in and to support them as you have been, but where possible to join with us as a Pioneer member or in whatever way suits you.
BackToTop
Q: What is MarsDrive doing politically to push for humans to Mars missions?
Our V.P Hal Fulton has written an excellent guide in this process in the U.S called "The Space Activist's Handbook". The work of political lobbying has been and continues to be engaged in by many other groups including members of MarsDrive. While we will support their efforts, (and our own members take part in such efforts) our own program is focused on advocating for people to take charge of their own destiny as well. It's not someone else's responsibility to get us into space - it is OUR responsibility.
BackToTop
Q: How can I help/join MarsDrive?
We need people. You can join as a Pioneer or make a donation. Lifetime membership is $800 and Corporate sponsorship is by application. Our step-by-step process will require many people from many different fields all working together. So whether it’s setting up an informal 'branch' of MarsDrive in your local area or working in one of our Task Forces we welcome you with whatever you can offer. Simply fill in our online Form so we know you exist and can send you further information. If you are already burning with enthusiasm then you can also use the 'Subscribe' or 'Donate' buttons. "No Bucks, No Buck Rogers"
BackToTop