Astronauts As Alien Life Hunters?

astroengine writes "Ever since the last NASA space shuttle mission touched down in Florida on July 21, there has been a spirited debate in articles and blogs across the Internet over the future of humans in space. Everyone seems to be asking: What's the point of spending shedloads of cash getting mankind into space when robots can do it at a fraction of the cost? Well, pending any great (and unexpected) advance in robotics, our adaptability in space may be our biggest asset. Ultimately, the hunt for extraterrestrial life may need an astronaut to physically push deeper into space." Also, who wants to let the robots have all the fun?

Comments

Humans are the most adaptable *on earth now*

[buybuydandavis]

But let's see them adapt to vacuum. To cosmic rays. To a year of hibernation.

A human mission requires orders of magnitude more cost and complexity than a robotic mission. For the same lift requirements, you could set up a robotic science center good for years if not decades of experiments.

And robots are getting better every year. Computers are getting better every year. It's really no contest at this point.

Re:True, but that's still going to be a tough sell

[danlip]

Put me down as someone who would give up 90% of our military budget for just about any decent science investment (or even indecent ones, like a Mars colony)