Posted on 03/30/2005 3:24:05 PM PST by KevinDavis
MOSCOW. (Yury Zaitsev, an expert of the Space Research Institute, for RIA Novosti) - Russian experts have come up with a 30-volume plan that calls for launching a manned Martian expedition in the foreseeable future.
We have learned much more about Mars during the last several years and are growing quite eager to develop the Red Planet. It has been established with almost complete certainty that Mars abounds in water. It will therefore become possible to colonize Mars. Quite a few scientists believe that the Martian atmosphere could be restored with an artificial greenhouse effect.
(Excerpt) Read more at en.rian.ru ...
Considering the fact that most of what they know about mars has come from American missions you would think they would suggest at least a joint mission. Unfortunately Russia seems to have a history of not pulling their own weight in our so called joint missions.
Maybe so lately, but the Russians (then Soviets) did significant exploration of Mars in the early days. I think they did land a probe on Mars before we did.
We don't even have earth orbit covered, unmanned or manned. First things first.
True, however, I prefer that this nation take the lead in space travel..
"Oh, dear. Now I suppose I shall have to use force. "
I think they did land on mars first and I believe they're still the only nation to land on venus. I'm always willing to cut them a "little" slack when it comes to space exploration.
If we end up in a space race with China I think we should have Russia on our side.
YOU
GOT
THAT
RIGHT!
Two words: Manifest Destiny . America should take the lead.
1. We have made the most ground breaking discoveries on Mars as a result of the 2 probes rolling accross Mars surface as I write this (much longer then their anticipated lifespan, I might add) so we should spearhead any effort
2. I would like to see the reaction of the Russian people STILL living in poverty when thier Government blows billions of Rubles on a mission to Mars - yeah, they will be dancing in the streets - NOT!
The Soviets never had much success with Mars. They only really had their 'Phobos' probe which orbited Mars & Phobos, but that's all. Most of their interplanetary success has been with Venus and the 'Venera' series of spacecraft...the only earth-craft to ever actually land on Venus. The Post-Soviet era has been basically earth-orbit stuff.
The US is the Mars exploration leader: several 'Mariner' craft, the two Vikings (the first earth-craft to soft-land on Mars), the Mars Polar Orbiter, and the 'Pathfinder' missions (with those charming little rovers). If a Martian mission is to be, WE need to be a part of it...a BIG part.
Just curious. Am I the only person who still checks out the new photos from mars every day?
The Russkies own Venus, but have had little success with Mars.
In fact most of what's out there is just airless rocks.
I do, am very disappointed that our space program is underfunded and unappreciated.
#2...My wife's friend is from a small town in Siberia...NO running water, NO indoor plumbing, NO electrcity...ask her if she'll go back to Siberia.."HELL NO!"...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.