ESA Won’t Allow One-Way Ticket To Mars Says Tim Peake
Tim Peake stated that the ESA does not hire individuals who want a one-way trip to Mars and settle there.
The agency prefers individuals who are aware of the risks and hurdles involved in traveling to Mars.
Peake believes that the next five to ten years in space travel and exploration will be more exciting than the past 50.
The first woman and first person of color from the US are set to walk on the Moon soon, possibly by 2025.
The first Europeans to walk on the Moon will likely be from France, Germany, or Italy, who are the ESA's biggest funders.
NASA is planning permanent settlements on the Moon by 2030, as well as manned missions to Mars.
Peake is convinced that building safe habitats on Mars is not a hurdle, unlike many in the UK and the US who lack interest in going to the Moon.
The ESA affirmed Peake's comments but did not provide further comment, as the agency does not currently fly humans to Mars.
While SpaceX is focused on colonizing Mars, Peake believes that numerous stages must be completed successfully before human habitats can be established on the planet.