Posted on 06/14/2005 6:50:52 PM PDT by KevinDavis
The Mars Human Precursor Science Steering Group was chartered by MEPAG in June 2004 to analyze the priorities for precursor investigations, measurements, and technology/infrastructure demonstrations that would have a significant effect on the cost and risk of the first human mission to Mars.
Based on this analysis, the MHP SSG proposes the following revised phrasing for MEPAG's Goal IV, Objective A, and within it the investigations that follow (in priority order).
The measurements needed to carry out these investigations are described in the subsequent sections of this white paper.
All of the measurements listed below, which are listed in priority order by the degree of impact on risk reduction, would have value to planning the human exploration of Mars (and most particularly the first human mission to the martian surface, for which our lack of knowledge will be greatest).
(Excerpt) Read more at spacedaily.com ...
Great!
So what's the timeline...2075? 2090?
Sorry, but I really think this is long overdue.
Put me on the Mars ping list please!
Gotta be done. It won't be cheap, but if NASA is sending men to Mars, this must be done first. Soon, hopefully, because the critical path runs right through this activity and they can't crash this part of the program without jeopardizing the rest.
If there's such a thing as a Mars ping list, please put me on it.
It is hellishly unlikely that we'll find anything walking around Mars, particularly on the surface. However, what happens when humans start walking around in and investigating those Cydonia megaliths, underground tunnels, the bottom of that Valles Marinaris trench etc. etc. is anybody's guess. It's still terribly unlikely, but you might encounter rats or cockroaches in some such area and, due to the low gravity, that rat or cockroach might weigh 700 lbs. And dialing 9-11 will not do any good.
Do not go to that place unarmed. I'd figure either one of those Marlin lever-action 45/70s, or that Alexander Arms 45 caliber Beowoulf M16 would be about right. Like I say, it's hellishly unlikely you'd need it, but I'd MUCH rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
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