Human settlement on Mars? MIT researchers join debate

By Steve Annear

Boston Globe - August 04, 2015

Move aside, Pluto. It’s Mars’s turn to take center stage.
At a convention celebrating the planet this month, two MIT researchers will debate the chief exeucutive of Mars One, the non-profit organization backing an ambitious mission to the Red Planet.
MIT students Sydney Do and Andrew Owens will “have it out” with Mars One’s Bas Lansdorp at the 18th annual International Mars Society Convention on Aug. 13.
Mars One was launched in 2012. Its founders want to establish a human settlement on Mars as early as 2027. One hundred volunteers, including a Stoneham resident, have already been picked as potential settlers, who, if they get there, will never return to Earth.
The convention, which will be held at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., will feature scientists, elected officials, and space advocates versed in all things pertaining to Mars.
The format of the debate will consist of two 20-minute presentations — one from each side — followed by two rounds of rebuttals. Participants will then take questions from the audience.

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