Former astronaut Helen Sharman, who undertook an eight-day mission to the Mir space station in 1991, was speaking to the Guardian ahead of her appearance at the Leeds international festival 2018. Mars is the vision, and that is where humans need to continue to be exploring to.”Blast off! Sharman welcomed the efforts of private companies, saying they will bring down the cost of putting scientists into space and open up the possibility of space travel to others. “It is about making sure we are using space in the best possible way.”Facebook Twitter Pinterest Cosmonauts including Helen Sharman prior to launch on the Soyuz TM-12 mission in 1991. Photograph: SVF2/UIG via Getty ImagesWhile Sharman backs further exploration, she said humans should tread lightly.

Source: The Guardian April 27, 2018 16:10 UTC