Posted on 02/07/2004 4:30:11 AM PST by gdyniawitawa
'Mouse-tronauts' to pave way for men on Mars By Roger Highfield, Science Editor (Filed: 07/02/2004)
Space scientists are planning one small step for mice that could mark a giant leap for mankind's ambition to create colonies on Mars.
In the wake of plans by President George W Bush to put a man on Mars, and a rival European effort, a £13 million project to launch 15 "mouse-tronauts" has been announced that will provide a stepping stone for the ambitious manned missions
The mice will follow a long tradition of using animals to pave the way for human space exploration, notably Laika ("barker" in Russian) - a stray dog found in Moscow - launched inside Sputnik 2 in 1957.
The goal of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite programme is to send the mice into near-Earth orbit inside a one-metre space ship that will spin to create artificial gravity to simulate that on Mars.
The 15 mice will orbit Earth for five weeks to help researchers learn how Martian gravity - about one-third that of Earth - will affect the mammalian body. Then their craft will parachute back to Earth, bouncing down swaddled in airbags in the outback of Australia.
Although it will not be the first time mice have flown in space, it will be the first time mammals of any kind have lived in partial gravity for an extended period.
Paul Wooster of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who is conducting the study with the University of Washington at Seattle and the University of Queensland in Brisbane, said: "The only data that we have for partial gravity comes from the Apollo astronauts who spent a couple of days on the surface of the moon."
The mouse cages will be designed for comfort and protection with room for exercise in the simulated gravity of Mars.
Astronauts living on space stations have encountered serious health problems such as bone loss and muscle wasting due to their weightless environment.
"The first crew on Mars could experience similar problems," Mr Wooster said.
"Scientists do not yet know whether partial gravity is sufficient to prevent these health hazards. A crew of mice will provide the first answers." The project is expected to cost about £8 million plus about £3 million for the launch.
The team hopes to send the mice into orbit in 2006 with a Falcon spacecraft, currently under development by SpaceX, a Californian company.
President Bush has announced plans to return man to the Moon by 2020 in preparation for manned Mars missions.
An armored rodent- the ultimate cat toy.
Some friends of mine used to have one of those for their critter. The little guy would put in some serious mileage around the house in it.
It'd make a great comedic short subject film though, all this massive build up and a huge expediture of effort, all thwarted by a rodent in green platic ball. :-)
Back in the day they would have just left 'em up there with the little wires still up their kazoos.
NOBODY will 'Diss You, when you have established a "Base" on Mars!!--"Osteoporosis Nonwithstanding!!"
The VAST BULK of "Baby-Step-Science" is a Timid Attempt to AVOID the GRAND STEP required to "Go Out!!"
The "Science" required to "Go to Mars" has Long Since been established in "Low Earth Orbit, & on the Moon Landings."
Our Failure to go "Back to the Moon--& On to Mars--Is NOT due to a Lack of "Information;" it is Due to a LACK OF WILL!
There exists a Generation of Us (born in the '40's-50's) who will NEVER FORGIVE our Nation if we Don't "Go Back to the Moon--& On to Mars!!"
"Apollo" was a "Tease--" & NOW, we EXPECT our "Leaders" to "Fulfill Their Promise!!"
The "Best & Brightest" of the past couple of Generations EXPECT US to "GET ON WITH IT!"
"W" has LITTLE IDEA of the "Constituency" he has "Tapped Into" by affirming an "Out-Going, Exploratory Space Program!"
The "LUDDITE NAY-SAYERS" may by loud--& re-inforced by the "Left-Media,"--but "The People" are Willing to "Go Out!!"
Remember "The Time of Apollo;"--the "Human Spirit" will ALWAYS be with the Explorers; the Adventurers!
"W" has it Right--but he HAS TO "Follow Through! (EVEN when the "Faint-Hearted" try to stop him!)
If we "Do This,"--Future Generations will Revere us, & "W"!
If we Abandon this, I believe that Sometime in our Future, our "offspring" will Curse Us--because we Didn't have the Courage to "Go Out!!"
Doc
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