Nasa outlines manned Mars vision - Page 5

keg in kc · 11-28-2007, 10:17 PM

Good stuff...

Nasa outlines manned Mars vision

By Paul Rincon
Science reporter, BBC News

Nasa has released details of its strategy for sending a human crew to Mars within the next few decades.

The US space agency envisages despatching a "minimal" crew on a 30-month round trip to the Red Planet in a 400,000kg (880,000lb) spacecraft.

Details of the concept were outlined at a meeting in Houston, Texas.

In January 2004, President George W Bush launched a programme for returning humans to the Moon by 2020 and - at an undetermined date - to Mars.

The "Mars ship" would be assembled in low-Earth orbit using three to four Ares V rockets - the new heavy-lift launch vehicle that Nasa has been developing.

Notionally despatched in February 2031, the mission's journey from Earth to Mars would take six to seven months in a spacecraft powered by an advanced cryogenic fuel propulsion system.

Estimates of the cost of mounting a manned Mars mission vary enormously, from $20bn to $450bn.

The details are highly subject to change, and may not represent the way Nasa eventually chooses to go to the Red Planet.

However, the document says this is the agency's current "best strategy" for landing humans on the Martian surface.

Grow your own

The cargo lander and surface habitat would be sent to Mars separately, launched before the crew in December 2028 and January 2029.

According to the Nasa presentation seen by BBC News, astronauts could grow their own fruit and vegetables on the way.

Once there, astronauts could spend up to 16 months on the Martian surface, and would use nuclear energy to power their habitat.

But the document points out that options for aborting the mission or furnishing the crew with new supplies would be extremely limited.

The difficulties of re-supply mean the astronauts would have to be remarkably self-sufficient.

They would need to be well-versed in the maintenance and repair of equipment and perhaps even able to manufacture new parts.

Recycled water

The spacecraft itself would be equipped with so-called "closed-loop" life support systems, in which air and water would be recycled.

Plants would be grown onboard to feed the crew and contribute to the "psychological health" of the astronauts.

But the report, authored by Nasa official Bret Drake, who sits on the agency's Robotic and Human Lunar Expeditions Strategic Roadmap Committee, says that many challenges remain for ensuring safe passage for the crew.

Nasa needs to come up with solutions for effectively protecting the astronauts from the high levels of cosmic radiation they will be exposed to in deep space and on the surface of Mars.

They will also need medical equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or injuries.

Nasa proposes using the Moon as a testing ground for many of these new systems.

Details of the plan, which comes under Nasa's new Constellation programme, were presented at a meeting of Nasa's Lunar Exploration and Analysis Group.

**Gonzo** · 11-29-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey23545

Yeah, you're probably right....After all, we spend a hundred dollar bill on social programs and we'll still have stupid, illiterate old Mr. Jenkins never planning for the future and passing his worthless life away seeking sympathy in the gutters of our streets.

But by God, if we could just get our hands on the one dollar bill they spend on space exploration, we could solve the earth's problems.

We need space travel just so I can get away from ignorant, steaming piles of dog feces like yourself.

Wow, you take space travel a little personally don't you? Well, if you think jetting off to an uninhabitable planet will solve all of your problems like bacne, lonely Friday nights and dick chaffing from excessive masturbation then go right ahead.
It's individuals like you who cannot participate in logical conversations without getting heated and personal.
Enjoy pleasing "uranus" with your limited edition Han Solo figurine.

FAX · 11-29-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

They actually aren't bad fellas.

If they would leave the probes at home, you might have an argument.

FAX

**Lzen** · 11-29-2007, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowener

With China getting heavily involved in space travel, I can see programs like this suddenly getting some big attention with lots of money. As for additional supplies, or replacement parts for "just in case" situations, why dont they just send some to Mars a few years ahead of time... but that wouldnt make for a future fantastic-nailbiting-tragic space flick.

They are planning to send a HAB unit (habitat) as well as other things ahead of time. If anyone is interested in this kind of thing, the Science channel is currently running a series called Mars Rising. It touches on all the challenges involved in a Mars mission. Very interesting stuff. Also, for a sci-fi novel on going to Mars for the purpose of exploring and eventually terra forming the planet, try reading the book Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson.

**Lzen** · 11-29-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pushead2

7 months is a long time with no sex or beating the meat.

There will be male and female astronauts. And NASA does not exactly discourage sex.

**Lzen** · 11-29-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MahiMike

Biggest waste of money since the Iraq war. Why in the galaxy do we need this?

This kind of attitude is why it takes so long for new discoveries to happen. Hell, why even go outside of your house? There can only be danger lurking. There are multitudes of reasons for why we would want to do this. Do you have any clue as to how the moon landing affected the morale of the people in the US? Do you have any clue as to how many things have been invented/discovered due to the works of the space program?

**Lzen** · 11-29-2007, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

Mars already has an atmosphere.

Unfortunately, it is poisonous carbon dioxide.

**Lzen** · 11-29-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

So, when is the right time?

For people who follow that line of thought, never.

Ultra Peanut · 11-29-2007, 07:46 PM

No no no no no. We'll just wait and wait and wait and then everything will magically come together.

Mars' future is as a quiet backwater. And that is awesome.

FAX · 11-29-2007, 07:54 PM

I'm all for going to Mars. In fact, I'd volunteer to take the ride. But, let's think this thing through.

Maybe there's bacterial life on Mars, the discovery of which would be very cool. Maybe there's evidence of an ancient, long-dead civilization which would explain people like Mr. Zouk. Maybe in the process of preparing for and actually making the trip and establishing a settlement, we invent lots of stuff we can use on Earth like the flowbee and ziplock bags.

Other than that, what benefits does traveling to Mars provide? Are there precious elements there we can use?

FAX

keg in kc · 11-29-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

Wow, you take space travel a little personally don't you? Well, if you think jetting off to an uninhabitable planet will solve all of your problems like bacne, lonely Friday nights and dick chaffing from excessive masturbation then go right ahead.

It's individuals like you who cannot participate in logical conversations without getting heated and personal.

Enjoy pleasing "uranus" with your limited edition Han Solo figurine.

Irony strikes again.

stumppy · 11-29-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

They are planning to send a HAB unit (habitat) as well as other things ahead of time. If anyone is interested in this kind of thing, the Science channel is currently running a series called Mars Rising. It touches on all the challenges involved in a Mars mission. Very interesting stuff. Also, for a sci-fi novel on going to Mars for the purpose of exploring and eventually terra forming the planet, try reading the book Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson.

I've been watching it. Pretty good show. One thing I thought extra interesting was the atmosphere on mars is so thin they're going to need a parachute the size of the Rose Bowl in order to slow the module down enough to land.

MrNightly · 11-29-2007, 10:18 PM

Ok, so i'm new here.... quick question:

Are the comments of the Grey's and Reptilians for real? or just making fun of those that believe they exist?

Thanks!

And i think that the Mar's trip is Brilliant. Won't ever happen the way they are planning, but once some of the other Countries in the world get involved, watch out. I feel like we are on the edge of technology no one can imagine! Very exciting times!

Hammock Parties · 11-29-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNightly

Are the comments of the Grey's and Reptilians for real? or just making fun of those that believe they exist?

The truth is out there.

FAX · 11-29-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNightly

Ok, so i'm new here.... quick question:

Are the comments of the Grey's and Reptilians for real? or just making fun of those that believe they exist?

Thanks!

And i think that the Mar's trip is Brilliant. Won't ever happen the way they are planning, but once some of the other Countries in the world get involved, watch out. I feel like we are on the edge of technology no one can imagine! Very exciting times!

The Greys are real, Mr. MrNightly. They're running around probing people like there's no tomorrow (which may well explain Mr. Donger's feelings toward them, by the way).

The Reptillians, however, are the figment of overactive imaginations. It's just silly. They are more like moose with their giant fuzzy heads, radio helmets, and big teeth.

FAX

Third Eye · 11-29-2007, 10:53 PM

Does it really matter? It's all going to end in 2012 anyway, right?

11-28-2007, 10:17 PM
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Nasa outlines manned Mars vision Good stuff... Nasa outlines manned Mars vision By Paul Rincon Science reporter, BBC News Nasa has released details of its strategy for sending a human crew to Mars within the next few decades. The US space agency envisages despatching a "minimal" crew on a 30-month round trip to the Red Planet in a 400,000kg (880,000lb) spacecraft. Details of the concept were outlined at a meeting in Houston, Texas. In January 2004, President George W Bush launched a programme for returning humans to the Moon by 2020 and - at an undetermined date - to Mars. The "Mars ship" would be assembled in low-Earth orbit using three to four Ares V rockets - the new heavy-lift launch vehicle that Nasa has been developing. Notionally despatched in February 2031, the mission's journey from Earth to Mars would take six to seven months in a spacecraft powered by an advanced cryogenic fuel propulsion system. Estimates of the cost of mounting a manned Mars mission vary enormously, from $20bn to $450bn. The details are highly subject to change, and may not represent the way Nasa eventually chooses to go to the Red Planet. However, the document says this is the agency's current "best strategy" for landing humans on the Martian surface. Grow your own The cargo lander and surface habitat would be sent to Mars separately, launched before the crew in December 2028 and January 2029. According to the Nasa presentation seen by BBC News, astronauts could grow their own fruit and vegetables on the way. Once there, astronauts could spend up to 16 months on the Martian surface, and would use nuclear energy to power their habitat. But the document points out that options for aborting the mission or furnishing the crew with new supplies would be extremely limited. The difficulties of re-supply mean the astronauts would have to be remarkably self-sufficient. They would need to be well-versed in the maintenance and repair of equipment and perhaps even able to manufacture new parts. Recycled water The spacecraft itself would be equipped with so-called "closed-loop" life support systems, in which air and water would be recycled. Plants would be grown onboard to feed the crew and contribute to the "psychological health" of the astronauts. But the report, authored by Nasa official Bret Drake, who sits on the agency's Robotic and Human Lunar Expeditions Strategic Roadmap Committee, says that many challenges remain for ensuring safe passage for the crew. Nasa needs to come up with solutions for effectively protecting the astronauts from the high levels of cosmic radiation they will be exposed to in deep space and on the surface of Mars. They will also need medical equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or injuries. Nasa proposes using the Moon as a testing ground for many of these new systems. Details of the plan, which comes under Nasa's new Constellation programme, were presented at a meeting of Nasa's Lunar Exploration and Analysis Group.
Posts: 58,682

11-29-2007, 07:46 PM	#68
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	No no no no no. We'll just wait and wait and wait and then everything will magically come together. Mars' future is as a quiet backwater. And that is awesome. __________________
Posts: 39,518

11-29-2007, 07:54 PM	#69
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	I'm all for going to Mars. In fact, I'd volunteer to take the ride. But, let's think this thing through. Maybe there's bacterial life on Mars, the discovery of which would be very cool. Maybe there's evidence of an ancient, long-dead civilization which would explain people like Mr. Zouk. Maybe in the process of preparing for and actually making the trip and establishing a settlement, we invent lots of stuff we can use on Earth like the flowbee and ziplock bags. Other than that, what benefits does traveling to Mars provide? Are there precious elements there we can use? FAX
Posts: 44,492

11-29-2007, 10:18 PM	#72
MrNightly Bring It. Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $10005447	Ok, so i'm new here.... quick question: Are the comments of the Grey's and Reptilians for real? or just making fun of those that believe they exist? Thanks! And i think that the Mar's trip is Brilliant. Won't ever happen the way they are planning, but once some of the other Countries in the world get involved, watch out. I feel like we are on the edge of technology no one can imagine! Very exciting times!
Posts: 276

11-29-2007, 10:53 PM	#75
Third Eye Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: JoCo Casino cash: $1500860	Does it really matter? It's all going to end in 2012 anyway, right?
Posts: 3,444