Dr. Robert Zubrin - Mars Direct: Humans to the Red Planet within a Decade

NASA Ames Research Center Director's Colloquium, July 10, 2014, Moffett Field, California. Achieving a human mission to Mars has been a fascination of humanity for some time. In the 1990s, Dr. Robert Zubrin proposed the "Mars Direct" mission architecture, using conventional rockets and Mars in-situ resources to establish a sustained human presence on Mars. Now, with the nation debating how to proceed with human space exploration, the "Mars Direct" plan is more relevant than ever: Can Americans reach the Red Planet in our time?

Robert Zubrin, formerly a staff engineer at Lockheed Martin Astronautics in Denver, is now president of his own company, Pioneer Astronautics. He is a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society and former Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Space Society. He is the founder of the Mars Society; an international organization dedicated to furthering the exploration and settlement of Mars by both public and private means.

The NASA Ames Director's Colloquium Summer Series was presented by the Office of the Chief Scientist as part of the Center's 75th anniversary celebration.

[blahmonster]

"Five hundred years from now, people are not gonna remember which faction came out on top in Iraq, or Syria, or whatever.  But they will remember what we do to make their civilization possible.  This is the most important thing we can do in this time.  If you have it in your power to do something great, and wonderful, and powerful, then you should."  

Well said.

[youpapai]

NASA, it takes lot of courage to upload content which is critical of the organisation's (NASA's) approach and decision making. Thanks!

[kalif]

I hope this man never gives up on Mars. Thank you, Mr. Zubrin, for your vision and ideas. 

[Freeloader_]

When humans land on Mars, I hope Robert Zubrin gets equal credit to the person who actually steps on the planet.

[blinkatreyu]

This man is incredibly clever and quick on his responses. Fast thinker. Great to hear him speak.

"Are we what life is or are we just one example drawn from much vaster tapestries of possibilities?"

[AozoraUltra]

Rough crowd. There was a moment of silence after 53:48, but since it isn't a Hollywood picture, the crowd didn't stand up to applaud Dr. Zubrin.

[Tristramdeliones]

This guy gets it, cuts through all the red tape and hits every point, no evasion.

[MattFreyKY]

"We grow when we challenge ourselves, we stagnate when we do not."

[JesseBusman]

This speech is legendary; can't stop coming back to this!

[_brett_]

Zubrin lays the smack down at 28:00

A splendid presentation by Zubrin at his absolute best. His critique towards the asteroid redirect and lunar missions are spot on -- they are a diversion from the core objective and should be seriously reconsidered.

[DDG]

How did he NOT get a standing ovation at around 53:40?

[bleebloe]

Robert Zubrin is simply another name for ... "genius" 

[jonbaxter]

I'm surprised no-one clapped after that speech.

[DavidODuvall]

Excellent talk.  I can feel his frustration with having to deal with politics taking control of rational science decisions.

[pirateking]

"...So this is the most important thing we could do; most important thing we could do in this time. And if you have it in your power to do something great and important and wonderful, then you SHOULD." Where the fuck was the applause at the end of that amazing response?

[Lloyd]

Excellent presentation as always by Dr. Zubrin, the dedication to a manned Mars mission this man has shown is astonishing and completely unparalleled. I for one sincerely hope a manned mission to Mars happens within his lifetime, it truly is the least he deserves for everything he and the Mars society have done.

[darrenchang]

For more than two decades, Dr. Zubrin has been the most passionate, eloquent advocate for the exploration of Mars. He definitely has a clear and well-thought strategy that focuses on lean and practical means. I had the honor of having him sign my copy of the Case for Mars when I was an aerospace engineering undergrad at Cornell. Listening to him again today is still extremely inspiring.

[brennanshippert]

This man's mind is a beehive of critical thinking. Awesome.

[peachtrees]

Wow a practical plan for getting boots on Mars before all my hair falls out. Joining the Mars Society tomorrow!

[silberlinie]

A very good visionary person.
Straight ahead and consistent.