Harry Clay Patterson

Professor Huizar

UWRT 1201 TR 8:00 am

6 February 2017

Extended Inquiry Project Proposal

Area of Inquiry: Why we should send humans to Mars.

Exigency: To unite people through a common goal, while advancing civilization

Potential/Relevant Audience(s): Policy makers, Investors, Public

Context: Science and Humanity

Proposal Write-up

The intent of this project is to inform the reader of the humanitarian and technological advantages and
disadvantages of pursuing a manned mission to planet Mars. Many topics can be branched from this
idea, but I would like to focus on the effects on human relations, technology, and economics. These
three areas can be explored more thoroughly by investing in these three concerns:

1. How would a manned mission to mars effect the relations of humans on earth, through the
immense international effort needed to travel to Mars?
2. How will the advancements in technology from a manned mission to Mars improve or harm
human life and/or our planet?
3. Why should we spend such a large amount of money to travel to such a barren place roughly 30
million miles away? (i.e. what is there?)

There are many possible answers to these questions, both from a supportive and unsupportive point of
view. Looking at past space endeavors, such as the Apollo program, we can get some clues regarding
the previous effects of human space exploration, which can be used to analyze a trip to Mars. It can be
argued that taking on such a large project will inherently bond large groups of people together, or in this
case, entire countries together. It could also be argued that it could even lead to a similar race for
technology that occurred during the cold war. Its no secret that technology gained from space missions
can have a profound effect on humans and the earth, but is this technology always a good thing? Lastly,
why should we spend such a large amount of money to go somewhere that appears to be barren and
devoid of life? This trip to Mars is a very important consideration in todays world because of the
dwindling funding and interest in space exploration. This could be a way to unite people for a great
cause, and inspire a generation of people who will better cherish and understand our place in the
universe.

As a Mechanical Engineering student, and avid space fan, I could help explain how the
technology needed to travel to mars can be used to better the human species. My scientific background
will allow me to sift thought scientific data and determine a way to incorporate it into my paper so that
the average person will understand the topic. I also feel my passion for the subject will help instill the
exigency of the matter, for which I find of upmost importance.

Patterson 1
 I plan to research the evidence of the advancements in technology that previous space missions
have provided to people, and how its effects daily life. These effects may both be good and bad. I also
hope to show that the Apollo missions to the Moon were a great form of unification within our country,
and provided a common goal for all Americans. Even if you were not directly a part of the space
program, we were all Americans supporting our nation. Its no secret that America is quite divided in
current times, and it could be a way of unification. Its also important to note that this would be a multi-
national endeavor which could help strengthen ties with other countries. Lastly, it will be very
expensive to travel to mars, and I would like to propose ideas on how it could be paid for.

Patterson 2