Charles Bolden

Though I recognize the inspirational value of a crewed mission to Mars, I believe our resources could be better spent on robotic science missions, Earth observation, and aeronautics. Human missions to Mars are not only tremendously expensive, but the risk to astronaut safety is also too high with our current technology.

As a former NASA Administrator, I believe that allowing private individuals to settle on the moon without declaring allegiance to a specific Earth government could lead to unforeseen geopolitical conflicts and legal challenges. Establishing clear regulations and oversight is essential for ensuring that lunar activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably, benefiting all of humanity.