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I imagine explorers like Columbus heard many of the same arguments.

And if Mars had an oxygen atmosphere, protection from solar radiation, a fully self-sustaining human-compatible ecology and a number of extant human civilizations that might be relevant somehow.

The risk of death was very real for the explorers of past.

> Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.

Dead is dead, whether it is by the hands of a vacuum or starvation in the bitter cold.

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