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Bush Wants To Put A Man On MarsPresident seeks to revive NASA's image with manned mission to the red planet
Mounting a manned mission to Mars will cost untold billions, but is expected to help NASA redefine itself, after the loss of two space shuttles and the public's disenchantment with the space program. "The President feels the time is right to send a man to Mars, maybe to even set up a little space station there," said White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. "Who knows what we might learn from spending some time on another planet?" Opponents of the plans cite the high cost of the venture along with the lack of any real value that will be gained from trying to land a man on the red planet. "It just seems foolish to spend that kind of money to send a man to Mars when the domestic economy is in a tailspin," said Democratic hopeful Howard Dean.
"Ever since he was a boy, the President has wanted to seek out new life and boldly go where no one has gone before," explained McClellan. "The President wants to use the new program to launch something called the 'Star Fleet'." Dean offered a suggestion to the White House. "If the President wants so badly to send a man to Mars, why doesn't he volunteer to go himself?" said the former Vermont governor, which tongue in cheek. "I'm sure there are a lot of Democrats who would pay to see that happen." |
President Bush announced this week that he plans to put a man on Mars. The announcement comes a boost for NASA, which has grounded all its missions after the last shuttle accident.
But, McClellan seemed unphased by the criticism.