Quote:
Originally Posted by chris lindberg
Seriously, I wonder how long until we put a person on Mars?
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I think it may be generations away. Bush announced a bold plan to put men on mars in about 20 years, but there have already been big cut-backs to that budget. Also, I don't think they have a clue yet about what to do about all the radiation the astronauts will encounter.
Part of the plan was to go back to the moon first, but some are arguing for a push straight to Mars.
http://www.planetary.org/programs/pr.../20080227.html
The proposed fiscal year 2009 NASA budget made many improvements in its science plans. However, as we noted, they came at the expense of the terrific Mars program established a decade ago. Despite the enormous public interest in Mars and its fundamental importance to the key questions of space exploration, its program has been cut for four straight years since the Vision for Space Exploration was announced -- even though the Vision was supposed to be directed to Mars. We do not believe the Vision can be funded by removing its goal; and we have written to our local Congressman who serves on the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee asking his help to forestall this additional cut.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/mars/
The Vision for Space Exploration
In January 2004, President George W. Bush outlined an ambitious plan for NASA's future exploration of the solar system. The plan includes human missions to the moon and Mars in search of the answers to many basic questions.
From the Vision for Space Exploration:
"Direct human experience in space has fundamentally altered our perspective of humanity and our place in the universe. Humans have the ability to respond to the unexpected developments inherent in space travel and possess unique skills that enhance discoveries. Just as Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo challenged a generation of Americans, a renewed U.S. space exploration program with a significant human component can inspire us -- and our youth -- to greater achievements on Earth and in space."