Martian Property Rights

It’s a bit old (by web standards), but here’s an interesting and brief take on missions to Mars: Should We Go to Mars? Wrong Question

Rather than spend taxpayer money on Mars exploration, the government should provide something far more valuable: recognition and protection of property rights.

Consider the U.S. government’s recognition and protection of intellectual property in the computer industry. Inventors of computer hardware were able to patent their inventions, and the government realized that creators of software also had the right to copyright their software. If the government had not protected these property rights, the computer revolution would not have occurred.

The government’s protection of rights is now needed in space. The U.S. government must recognize that private individuals who explore extraterrestrial land — the Moon, Mars, asteroids, etc. — endow that land with value where there had been none; and those individuals have a moral right to claim and use that land as their private property. They have the right to decide what to do with Mars, just as you have the right to use, sell, or develop your home or property.

A private mission to Mars would cost taxpayers nothing. Only those who expected to profit in some way, financially or otherwise, would invest their money and time. If their investments failed, only they would suffer. If they succeeded, the riches of Martian real estate, tourism, advertising, scientific experiments, and mining would be theirs.

Is it worth going to Mars? Let each individual decide for himself. The government’s only role should be to protect property rights. Recognition of that role is the breakthrough needed by the heroic pioneers who say, “I should go to Mars.”