In the past 30 years, the public perception of the Earth has changed from that of a vast world of nearly limitless resources to a small planet of finite resources. The public is becoming increasingly inclined to tolerate and evaluate proposals for the colonization of Mars.

It is important to take a few lessons from the Apollo program. During Apollo, the public was merely a passive spectator. Following Apollo 11, the public quickly became bored with the program. As a result, Apollo was cancelled in 1972 with little public opposition.

This paper advances a new approach to Mars exploration, one that avoids the fatal flaw of Apollo. The key is to provide for the direct, sustained and increasing involvement of individuals and groups with the success of the program.

The project’s mission statement establishes a new biosphere on the surface of Mars capable of supporting a new civilization. The project entails three phases. The first phase of the project will start preparing future colonists and ambassadors NOW. During the second phase, a manned crew is launched to Mars for a combination exploration/colonization long-duration mission. The critical third phase splits the first manned crew on Mars into a three segments: one remains on Mars indefinitely; a second that returns to Earth permanently, and a third that returns to Earth temporarily as ambassadors from the new colony on Mars. A number of innovative techniques are used to sustain public involvement throughout each phase.

Under this scenario, the first Martian ambassador to Earth could arrive as early as 2014 and be tasked with sharing Martian experiences, perceptions, and innovations with the people of Earth.

Today’s students will determine if this program succeeds or fails.