Cosmos

We will establish a permanent colony on Mars," says J. Richard Gott, professor of astrophysics at Princeton University. "Establishing a self-sufficient colony on Mars will change the history of the world—because from now on, it will no longer be the history of this single world, Earth. Colonies on Mars will be our life insurance policy against any catastrophes or cataclysms that may befall Earth. Our planet is littered with the bones of extinct species, reminders of past catastrophes and those that may come at any moment. The only question that remains is whether we will be able to establish a foothold on Mars before the space program budget runs out. It's better to attempt colonization before it's too late, because such colonies are a good investment. Launching as much equipment, construction materials, and supplies as possible into Earth orbit will allow us to launch and sustain the colony during the initial start-up period, before it becomes completely independent. This isn't a prediction, but a hope."