Manned Journey to Mars

Singalo · Feb 28, 2013

/pine said:
Actually "powering the ship into space" is the biggest issue...once you are in space travel is basically simple...propel your self (ship) in a direction and you travel in that direction for ever unless you hit something or something hits you...(2nd issue)

Exactly, and that's why we need "Space Docks" to build and maintain Star Fleet.

BobRip · Feb 28, 2013

The elevator to orbit per Arthur C. Clarke is what we need. Cheap delivery to synchronous orbit. Energy wise you are now about halfway to anywhere in the solar system.

J F · Feb 28, 2013

Is that the Rama stuff? I read it but it's been awhile, Clarke's an incredible author/mind.

BobRip · Feb 28, 2013

J F said:
Is that the Rama stuff? I read it but it's been awhile, Clarke's an incredible author/mind.

No. I think it was "Fountains of Paradise". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fountains_of_Paradise

J F · Feb 28, 2013

My bad, I was thinking of something else.

creekbend · Feb 28, 2013

It is very doubtful that this can be successfully undertaken by 2018. The negative aspects outweigh the positive possibilities. Mankind must have more advanced technology available than that which is currently available. Finding a better method of escaping Earth's gravitational pull is one of the first problems that must be solved. A more advanced method of supplying oxygen to crew, temperature control, and back up systems are also obstacles. Achieving space velocity travel utilizing and achieving the speed of light and a better understanding of Worm Holes would definitely increase the successful implementation and completion of such a project. The International Space Station must be supplied by additional supplies on a regular basis. If you do the research, our Lunar landings were nearly a complete failure. We were very lucky that our Astronauts weren't stranded on the surface of the Moon. Yes, I am fully aware that there is more advanced technology available than there was in 1969. Are new tracking stations going to be built? It takes a huge amount of money for such exploration. What about the technicians, computer analysts; etc. that must work 24/7? I will stop now and I hate being a Pessimist, but I, personally don't forsee a successful mission by 2018.

Leejohn · Feb 28, 2013

Well if I could take my little kubota and set on it for the trip, to get some seat time, I'm ready when is liftoff?

firedog · Feb 28, 2013

I would be up for a trip to Mars, but I'm too dang old now.
Plus, I don't think Bernadette Peters is there anymore, either.

/pine · Feb 28, 2013

creekbend said:
It is very doubtful that this can be successfully undertaken by 2018. The negative aspects outweigh the positive possibilities. Mankind must have more advanced technology available than that which is currently available. Finding a better method of escaping Earth's gravitational pull is one of the first problems that must be solved. A more advanced method of supplying oxygen to crew, temperature control, and back up systems are also obstacles. Achieving space velocity travel utilizing and achieving the speed of light and a better understanding of Worm Holes would definitely increase the successful implementation and completion of such a project. The International Space Station must be supplied by additional supplies on a regular basis. If you do the research, our Lunar landings were nearly a complete failure. We were very lucky that our Astronauts weren't stranded on the surface of the Moon. Yes, I am fully aware that there is more advanced technology available than there was in 1969. Are new tracking stations going to be built? It takes a huge amount of money for such exploration. What about the technicians, computer analysts; etc. that must work 24/7? I will stop now and I hate being a Pessimist, but I, personally don't forsee a successful mission by 2018.

This makes the point about using the moon and the actual knowledge/data we do have rather than expanding the targets beyond our near space...
IMO we are a lot closer to mastering (carbon) molecular structure compounds that will make things like space ladders/elevators possible than we are to mastering wormhole (a theory) travel....

don't think we are even close to being able to transport much matter at the speed of light..but cross that thought with the current 3D printer technology and who knows...once you can digitize something there's an open end...