Saturday, December 19, 2009

Mission to Mars


William Halal and his TechCast team believe a manned mission to mars most like in 20 years.  Based on the distance to get there, it takes 6 months, and the power required; the experts believe a manned mission is just 4-5 years away.  However, the technology to deliver man has not been invented yet.  Russia, Europe, and the US are working to develop the technology, but it is just not quite possible.


There are theories about using nuclear power to create the thrust necessary to propel a manned spacecraft towards mars, but a 5 foot shield of water would be necessary to shield the passengers from the radiation.  Also the absence of gravity would have a harmful effect on the astronauts.  I think artificial gravity is within the realm of possibility at this time, so I don't think this is as much a hurdle as Dr. Halal. 

Dr. Halal also mentions terraforming, which is the transforming of the terrain to more closely match the Earth and helping the habitability for humans.  Without soil samples, which Halal believes is within a few years from being returned, it is impossible to know if the atmosphere is capable of support and earthly terrain.


I think Mars exploration is fascinating and I hope we have success in the near future in unmanned exploration and experiments on Earth that will allow us to make this planetary trip possible.   

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