Being picked as a permanent settler on Mars, seriously.
They won't just choose mega-fit ex-USAF types, as they did for the Apollo program.
For a start, most of the spacecraft and terrain vehicles will be automated and larger, and thus far less of a challenge to fly and occupy. Also, with the increased radiation hazard of much longer space trips, older people are actually better because it matters less if their DNA is clobbered by cosmic rays, and they are generally more laid back and mellow and hence there is less chance of friction and conflict.
Also, for obvious reasons, older people may be more suitable for a no-return trip.
But think of the kudos of having places named after one - OwlHoot City, OwlHoot Spaceport, etc
(Actually, if human populations don't decline naturally, I reckon one day volunteering for a one-way space trip will literally be the only alternative for most old timers to avoid being "terminated" to make room on Earth for the young.)
They won't just choose mega-fit ex-USAF types, as they did for the Apollo program.
For a start, most of the spacecraft and terrain vehicles will be automated and larger, and thus far less of a challenge to fly and occupy. Also, with the increased radiation hazard of much longer space trips, older people are actually better because it matters less if their DNA is clobbered by cosmic rays, and they are generally more laid back and mellow and hence there is less chance of friction and conflict.
Also, for obvious reasons, older people may be more suitable for a no-return trip.
But think of the kudos of having places named after one - OwlHoot City, OwlHoot Spaceport, etc
(Actually, if human populations don't decline naturally, I reckon one day volunteering for a one-way space trip will literally be the only alternative for most old timers to avoid being "terminated" to make room on Earth for the young.)
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