Spacecraft takes off for Mars

Asim Aquil · 08-12-2005, 20:56 PM

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...2/MNmars12.DTL

Another machine.

Why don't they just send a manned mission to Mars already? I'm sure its risky and all that, but I'm sure astronauts would be ready to risk their lives for an opportunity like that. I know I would.

highsea · 08-12-2005, 21:40 PM

This mission is a prelude to a manned mission. One of the main objectives is to look for water and scout out landing sites. A manned mission will have to stay on Mars for an extended period (something like 10 months) until the return orbits are correct. So this mission (and the next one, scheduled for 2009) is needed for planning purposes. You don't want to go all the way to Mars and then land in a sh*tty spot.

edit to add: The "Mars Direct" mission profile calls for an 18 month stay. The "optimum" NASA plan calls for up to 600 days on the surface, with a total mission time of ~900 days. Realistically, we are probably 25 years from a manned Mars mission.

Sameer · 09-01-2005, 21:56 PM

When the heck are we going to develop Worp engines and travel in space.

08-12-2005, 20:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Asim Aquil Banished *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 06-11-04 Location: Dubai Posts: 8,135 Country:	Spacecraft takes off for Mars http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...2/MNmars12.DTL Another machine. Why don't they just send a manned mission to Mars already? I'm sure its risky and all that, but I'm sure astronauts would be ready to risk their lives for an opportunity like that. I know I would.

08-12-2005, 21:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
highsea *Defense Professional* Join Date: 12-10-04 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3,473	This mission is a prelude to a manned mission. One of the main objectives is to look for water and scout out landing sites. A manned mission will have to stay on Mars for an extended period (something like 10 months) until the return orbits are correct. So this mission (and the next one, scheduled for 2009) is needed for planning purposes. You don't want to go all the way to Mars and then land in a shtty spot. edit to add: The "Mars Direct" mission profile calls for an 18 month stay. The "optimum" NASA plan calls for up to 600 days on the surface, with a total mission time of ~900 days. Realistically, we are probably 25 years from a manned Mars mission. __________________ My baby called me up. She said- Why don't you ever take me out?* Pick me up in your brand new car....You shake the short change from the old fruit jar... Last edited by highsea : 08-12-2005 at 23:27 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Iraqi air force takes flight	Ironduke	The War in Iraq	0	03-29-2007 17:06 PM
NATO takes the fight to Pakistan	Ray	Political Discussions	20	11-12-2006 16:04 PM
10yo takes SUV for a spin	THL	Current Affairs	0	07-19-2006 21:38 PM
Militancy takes a huge hit in J&K	hammer	South Asian Defense Topics	46	05-02-2005 09:07 AM
Hu Jintao takes over from Jiang Zemin	Jay	South Asian Defense Topics	0	09-19-2004 17:18 PM

09-01-2005, 21:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sameer Banished *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 07-12-05 Posts: 2,541	When the heck are we going to develop Worp engines and travel in space.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)