Russia and Europe plan a manned mission to Mars

http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/08/18/54840375.html ^

[kronos77]

Europe will carry out the first manned mission to Mars together with Russia. Head of the European Space Agency Jean-Jacques Dordain stated this when he visited the International Aviation and Space Salon, MAKS-2011, now under way in Zhukovsky near Moscow. He gave no timeframe, but head of the Russian Space Agency Vladimir Popovkin welcomed his European counterpart’s idea concerning the coordination of the future project.

The dream of human beings going to Mars has a long history, and at present, mankind is very close to implement such a project. Some time ago, an interest in the planet was linked to the possibility of encountering with humanoids. Later, it became clear that the probability of such a meeting is almost zero, although some kind of life could be found there. The significance of a manned mission to Mars is beyond the search for extraterrestrial life. According to scientists, Mars is the only promising planet in the Solar System from the standpoint of colonization. Perhaps, this may be the reason why the U.S. has declared a manned mission to Mars a national programme.

However, over 50-year experience in space exploration shows that coordinated efforts in this area provide better results than competition. At the same time, it’s no easy task to achieve mutual understanding in all areas, says analyst of the Moscow-based journal “Novosti Kosmonavtike” or “News of Cosmonautics” Igor Lisov:

[ex-snook]

The Red Planet?

[dfwgator]

Meanwhile, our space agency is making sure Muslims feel good about themselves.

[molson209]

I just Binged “mars camp ground” LOL what I found

[GraceG]

If a crazy man in a blue box shows up, RUN!!!!

[newheart]

They darn well better take some Muslims with them so they will feel better about their contributions to technology.

[MIchaelTArchangel]

I hope Vlad Putin volunteers to lead the crew and takes B. Hussein 0bama with him.

[Venturer]

Isit OK to ask where Europe will get the money from?

[wally_bert]

Good episode.

Water is patient, water always wins.

[jmcenanly]

With any luck , their charts may just read, "Here, there be Dragons"

[Jeff Winston]

The Europeans and Russians have a fabulous record when it comes to landing probes on Mars.

[RoadTest]

“Russia and Europe plan a manned mission to Mars”

Is that the same broken down Soviet Union and the flat broke European economy?

[Bobalu]

20 billion + SpaceX + Robert Zubrin = Manned Mars mission

http://www.spacex.com/
http://rps.psu.edu/0305/direct.html

[nuke rocketeer]

Won’t happen. Russia is broke and floundering and Europe is even worse.

[DUMBGRUNT]

The plan is to use the vast profits from Galileo GPS sales.

[The_Victor]

Won’t happen. Russia is broke and floundering and Europe is even worse.

The money provided by the the US for the International Space Station to ESA and Russia is the primary reason either of them has a space program.

[nuke rocketeer]

Exactly. The ISS is the only reason the Russian manned program is still going. The cannot even afford to update and enlarge the Soyuz and the Euros depend on them and formerly the US to put their people up there.