The War of the Worlds is a science fiction novel by H. G. Wells. The novel was first published in hardcover way back in 1898. It is one of the earliest stories to detail a conflict between mankind and an extraterrestrial race. The story involves the invasion of England by Martians. The novel is one of the most commented-on works in the science fiction canon.
With all the current buzz about various countries landing rovers and drones on the Martian surface, it is hard to believe that this is old hack. Besides Wells’ sci-fi prophecy of Martian attacks nearly 125 years ago, most people don’t realize that Mars was actually “conquered” by humans in the 1970s.
Follow along, and I’ll show you why this matters
On March 3, 1974, the Russians (USSR) crashed landed the first “lander” on Mars. The USA’s NASA had much more success in 1976 when it landed crafts from its Viking 1 and Viking 2 missions.
Primarily due to costs, missions to Mars slowed significantly after the 1970s. However, with a renewed interest in the prospects of water evidence being discovered, the race for the red planet resumed. The following groups have either past, current, or future missions regarding Mars:
- USA
- Russia
- Europe
- India
- Japan
- China
China’s Tianwen-1 mission is significant as it includes a lander, rover, and orbiter. Part of its tasks involves looking at the water content of the soil and to examine Martian climate and environment.
On May 14, 2021, the Tianwen-1 lander successfully landed. On May 22, the Zhurong rover descended from its lander onto the Martian surface to begin its scientific mission.
With the increasing focus on space and especially Mars, there are a few of questions I have:
1. Is Russia planning something devious?
After more than two decades of international cooperation in space research, Russia announced in May 2021 that it would be withdrawing from the International Space Station in 2025 and build and manage its own floating laboratory that will be launched into orbit by 2030.
What is Russia up to? What could be so secret that they don’t want to share anymore? You know that the building of a brand-new laboratory will NOT BE CHEAP! Especially if Russia is paying for the whole thing by themselves. They are therefore up to something and that is NEVER GOOD. So much for international research cooperation! This leads to my second question …
2. Will China surpass the USA?
The US has always competed in space against the Russians (USSR). Normally, Russia does something first but then is out bested by the US. Russia beat the world into space and to Mars, but again, the US was able to be more successful in both endeavours.
Ah, but now there’s China! As Russia pioneers and the US does it better, China has had a history of doing things more efficient and cheaper. I used to get a kick out of buying Canadian souvenirs as gifts only to read the bottom stickers “Made in China”. Will this be the case on Mars as well?
Up until this point the good guys normally won. USA, the supreme capitalists from the west had always given us a sense of comfort in knowing that they ruled the skies (all the way into space). But now things are changing. I guess my worry has to do with American politics more than anything.
The US is divided right down the middle between right and left, red and blue, Republican and Democrat. I have never seen it so divided. There seems to be no room for compromise and cooperation to get important things done. This might spill over into space and Mars exploration.
As the US wars within itself and alternates funding for programs every four years depending upon the person in the White House, China is forging ahead. Yes, I realize they are not the “good guys, but they are under a dictatorship that drives forward in a slow but consistent direction.
In the fable of “the tortoise and the hare,” the hare discounts and ridicules the tortoise for being so slow. This led to the hare’s undoing when he decides to take a nap while the slow-poke tortoise keeps on moving (right past the finish line).
Is the USA like the tortoise? Is it taking China’s slow but powerfully consistent progress for granted? Instead of a nap, is the US perhaps bouncing around all over the place full of energy but with no cohesive direction? I hope I’m wrong, but if this is the case we are in for trouble!
3. Will we see war on Mars, or worse?
Is this not a fair question? I mean, if the USA, Russia, and China are currently at battle-ready stations here on earth, what makes us think that if something valuable is found on Mars, the war will not be carried on there as well?
Of course, the war I am really worried about will never happen on the red planet, but it will on this blue planet we call home. If China or Russia discover something on Mars that is vital for progress here on earth, you know they will attempt to seize it. If China or Russia have advanced research, technology, and weapon systems surrounding our earth, you know that they will eventually attempt to use them.
4. Should anybody care about Mars?
I believe so, yes, and for a couple of very good reasons:
1) Technology
Through research and advancing space technology, we learn things when exploring space. The Apollo program brought us many technologies that are used in each of our everyday lives. Just imagine what a comprehensive Mars program could bring us.
2) Security
Also, we establish national security and international stability when we rule the skies and beyond. I sleep better at night knowing that the good guys have eyes in the sky to counteract the intentions of the bad guys.
So what?
The frightening thing is that what is discovered on Mars might be the spark that causes the fire of war to reign down upon us on earth. I am not afraid of Martians; I am afraid about Earthlings. It will not be a war of the worlds as much as it is a war of the world.
China’s landing on Mars this year has reminded me that while the USA fights vehemently against itself, other countries who are not our friends are consistently moving forward in advanced technologies. It’s time for the sleeping Hare to wake up and run once more against the Tortoise before the race is over.
Are you afraid? Share your comments with me
Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post. I would love to know your thoughts!
Until my next editorial post, keep seeking TRUTH!
Regards,
Mike MacDonald
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About Mike MacDonald:
As an ordained theologian, Mike has served in many gospel ventures.
He has been a church pastor, chaplain, seminary vice-president,
Christian school principal, and creation evangelist. These roles have
built up an expertise in Mike’s ability to help people discover the true
essence of the Bible and how to make it apply in everyday life.