Manned Journey to Mars

[Singalo]

Calling all Physicists and Astronaut Farmers.

There was a report on NPR the other day about a billionaire that is going to invest GOBS of money into a project to fly a ship of 4-6 people to Mars to do a fly by at 100 miles on closest approach. He is seeking investors and expertise to fulfill this dream.

I think this is absolutely brilliant, that the private sector is getting involved with the first real inter planetary voyage. They are looking to actually launch in 2018, when the planets are in correct alignment. If this can be accomplished, it would be a MASSIVE step forward for mankind. I only prey that I live long enough to see this happen with my own eyes.

This story lead me to wonder, why have we not started to build real "Space Ships". Like the Star ship Enterprise? Obviously we don't have the technological advancements to create that type of ship. But it seems to me that we should have been further along since the last manned moon mission. I think this mission to Mars is just what humanity needs to kick start a new era in space innovation. Who else wants the Star Ship Enterprise that our grandparents promised us?

 

[J F]

I saw that. Lots of jokes about how a married couple would NOT be the best choice for the 500+ day journey. :laughing:

 

[Singalo]

I saw that. Lots of jokes about how a married couple would NOT be the best choice for the 500+ day journey. :laughing:

Lol, the guy is like 72. I hope he lives to see the Mission launch, let alone go on it himself.

 

[J F]

:laughing: No, I was speaking about possible candidates for the journey (from what I read). It was on Yahoo News, so who knows. (yeah, I know)

 

[J F]

And I think you may live forever: Pessimists May Live Longer - Yahoo! News

 

[rmorey]

I wonder if the married couple need to be married to each other! Probably work better if they weren't.

 

[J F]

:laughing:

 

[Singalo]

And I think you may live forever: Pessimists May Live Longer - Yahoo! News

BA HA HA HA,,,,, Your ok JF. I like where your head is at on this. That's pretty dang funny.

 

[BobRip]

This story lead me to wonder, why have we not started to build real "Space Ships". Like the Star ship Enterprise? Obviously we don't have the technological advancements to create that type of ship. But it seems to me that we should have been further along since the last manned moon mission. I think this mission to Mars is just what humanity needs to kick start a new era in space innovation. Who else wants the Star Ship Enterprise that our grandparents promised us?

You are correct, we should be further along. As usual the reason is money.

 

[J F]

You are correct, we should be further along. As usual the reason is money.

Yep, and where it's directed.

 

[/pine]

Personally I find any space exploration exciting..but I think Mars (as a future site of evacuation etc is ludicrous)...I think they should work (spend the money) on technology that will make it easier to build larger orbital and beyond orbital stations...IMO it is stupid not to use the moon first for learning and developing space stations/bases etc...

 

[J F]

I like the thought process. :thumbsup: It's something that is always interesting to think about.

 

[Singalo]

Two major obstacles that need to be overcome, and topics I love to read about, is first, how to create and sustain artificial gravity. Not only for practical purposes, but also to maintain the human body structure. The next is how to create an artificial magnetosphere, as we have around the earth to deflect radiation. These would be critical to space stations further from home.

 

[J F]

If we can send all the fat people to Mars (I am one, so I can say this , brothers) first, we may be able to accomplish this. :laughing:

 

[J F]

Screw the human body structure, we need Mars body structure.

 

[J F]

I just hope we can use the plasma weapons that we've been developing. I'm not real sure who we would use 'em against, but I'm pretty sure we'll know by the time we land/terra-form.

 

[Singalo]

Screw the human body structure, we need Mars body structure.

You would lose mussel and bone mass. And your body would need several generations to adapt to the new gravity. All things being equal between earth and mars besides gravity, you would die a premature death.

 

[J F]

That's already happened. Why am I still here? :laughing:

 

[Singalo]

That's already happened. Why am I still here? :laughing:

you are married too?

 

[J F]

Yeah, I'd like to complain, but.....