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Galaxy Quest

texasmonthly.com

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11–20 of 36 posts

Re: Galaxy Quest

#11

Post by pugio »

It doesn't matter if Mars One is a scam, the article makes a good point: Our sense of optimism, of pioneering spirit, of looking to the stars, has suffered greatly in recent decades.

If all it does is nudge people from looking forward to a now ubiquitous (in fiction) dystopic future, to again staring at the sky with wonder and possibility, it will be a resounding success. I wonder if that wasn't a large part of the point of the whole undertaking.

Also, regardless of whether the mission is ever launched or not, the article is interesting for being a science fiction story that isn't. I grew up with authors looking for the small human stories in spaceflight and star colonization, and now here's a true personal one, for real... Someone is actually thinking deeply on what it will be like for their own spouse to leave them for MARS. That this can happen now, even if this particular mission ultimately leads nowhere, is incredible.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#13

Post by tzs »

mekkz wrote: post #6

I'm not sure how this ended up on the front page... I thought we already decided that Mars One is a giant scam: http://www.iflscience.com/space/whats-going-mars-one

Even if it is a scam, I don't see how that is relevant. Most of the article is about things that apply to this kind of grand endeavor regardless of whether it turns out to be realistic and legit, completely nuts and legit, or illegitimate.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#14

Post by carlosdp »

tymekpavel wrote: post #10
mekkz wrote: post #6

I'm not sure how this ended up on the front page... I thought we already decided that Mars One is a giant scam: http://www.iflscience.com/space/whats-going-mars-one

It would seem this article casts doubt on Roche's accusations.

It doesn't really. He doesn't provide any counter evidence to Roche's claims. He just confirms one (the 75% donation of media fees) and claims it didn't affect his wife's chances. Though, logically, of course it would since she's one of the most media-present candidates.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#15

Post by resu_nimda »

shanusmagnus wrote: post #4

I wonder how it will affect things if she doesn't go? You get married with (presumably) the assumption that this person is the core of your life, but then this Mars stuff happens and it becomes apparent where the spouse falls in the pecking order of your value system. Does it cast a dark cloud on the relationship afterward? "I want to be with you forever unless this really cool opportunity comes up, then I'm leaving…

Well it just takes being a strong, independent person. Personally I don't really subscribe to the marriage-above-all-else philosophy. You have to accept that you are not the center of the universe, and even if someone truly loves you their agenda might not line up with yours. By the same token the husband should feel free to seek whatever he needs to make do in light of that. It may be cliche, but "if you love someone, set them free." It certainly does take courage and resolve to do that.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#16

Post by nemo »

Mars One actually accepted applicants who were married? I'd thought I'd already lost all respect for them but somehow found more to lose.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#17

Post by mscarborough »

That is a very long article over-dramatizing a fantasy scenario that will 100% not happen in their lifetime. These folks sure glommed onto something that allows them to talk about themselves a lot.

If Mars One wasn't just a short-term money grab, they wouldn't be too concerned with collecting 75% of interview fees. That is so bush league that to imagine your whole life is going to be shaped by this organization is pretty delusional.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#18

Post by Bouncingsoul1 »

resu_nimda wrote: post #15
shanusmagnus wrote: post #4

I wonder how it will affect things if she doesn't go? You get married with (presumably) the assumption that this person is the core of your life, but then this Mars stuff happens and it becomes apparent where the spouse falls in the pecking order of your value system. Does it cast a dark cloud on the relationship afterward? "I want to be with you forever unless this really cool opportunity comes up, then I'm leaving…

Well it just takes being a strong, independent person. Personally I don't really subscribe to the marriage-above-all-else philosophy. You have to accept that you are not the center of the universe, and even if someone truly loves you their agenda might not line up with yours. By the same token the husband should feel free to seek whatever he needs to make do in light of that. It may be cliche, but "if you love someon…

Well technically you are the center of the universe http://theastronomist.fieldofscience.com/2010/03/you-are-at-... . But since everybody is, nobody is special either

Re: Galaxy Quest

#19

Post by bliti »

shanusmagnus wrote: post #4

I wonder how it will affect things if she doesn't go? You get married with (presumably) the assumption that this person is the core of your life, but then this Mars stuff happens and it becomes apparent where the spouse falls in the pecking order of your value system. Does it cast a dark cloud on the relationship afterward? "I want to be with you forever unless this really cool opportunity comes up, then I'm leaving…

To call it a cool opportunity that comes up is a bit of a stretch. If this happens, and it does get to mars, it will put her in the ranks of the most important figures in history. For the sake if humanity itself. This is not something you do to glorify yourself. It is the ultimate sacrifice. Your life in exchange for the advancement and future of mankind. Flying in a metal can to a place that has absolutely nothing to begin a generations long process.

I cannot fathom what that family is going through. I do wish them the best.

Re: Galaxy Quest

#20

Post by rm445 »

"Galaxy" quest? I know that authors in print publications generally don't write the headlines, and it seems a perfectly worthy article despite the iffiness of the Mars One project. But I still wonder why writers generally make no effort to distinguish between the Solar System, our Galaxy, other galaxies and the whole universe.

Of course, 'Galaxy Quest' is a pretty popular science fiction film, but it's one that parodies mainly a space opera series that takes place long after the Solar System has been explored. For anyone interested enough to read the article, titling it 'Galaxy Quest' is an outright distraction. You can say I'm pointlessly nitpicking, but I genuinely believe that laziness and sticking to convention ('here's a sci-fi reference!') has fuelled the decline of print journalism in favour of more authentic fare.

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