R:990920/1734Z @:NL3DAV.ZH.NLD.EU #:20376 [Leiderdorp] FBB7.00g23 $:148_NL0BPL

From: NL0BPL@NL3DAV.ZH.NLD.EU
To  : SPACE@NLD




# Generated by: TstHWin v2.21 - Registered to NL0BPL [tSR]
# On : 20-9-1999 18:37:54
# UTC: 20-9-1999 16:37:54

* Exploring Mars *


Missions
By understanding the Solar System and its evolution, we will reach a better understanding of
our own planet. Outside of the Earth-Moon system, Mars is the most hospitable body in the
solar system for humans and is currently the prime candidate for future human exploration and
colonization.

Mercury is far too close to the Sun (radiation and temperature extremes) and has almost no
atmosphere, Venus is far too hot and the surface pressures are extreme, the gas giants
(Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) do not provide a surface on which to land (at least until
the pressure is far too great), and Pluto is far too cold and distant. Some of the moons of
Jupiter (Europa) and Saturn (Titan) are interesting targets in the search for life elsewhere
in the solar system, but they are much farther away and far more inhospitable than Mars.

A crewed mission to Mars would begin with launch vehicles delivering segments of the Mars
spacecraft to low-Earth orbit. Once assembled, these would deliver an Earth-return vehicle
into orbit around Mars, and a launch and cargo vehicle to the surface.


Twenty-six months later an astronaut crew would leave Earth orbit and begin its journey to
Mars. The trip would take 4-6 months depending on the propulsion system used and the alignment
of Earth and Mars. As the crew reached Mars, its spacecraft would enter Mars' atmosphere and
land near the waiting cargo and ascent vehicle.

The crew would spend about 18 months on the Red Planet, setting up a base and conducting a
wide assortment of scientific tests. The search for life, past or present, would be a major
objective. "Living off the land" would characterize humankind's first journey to Mars. The
crew would test ways to use the raw materials on Mars to make useful products, such as fuel,
food and oxygen.

At the end of its stay, the crew would pack up collected samples and leave Mars using the
propellant produced on the surface to reach orbit. The launch vehicle, delivered before the
crew ever left the Earth, would lift the human crew off the Martian surface to the orbiting
Earth-return vehicle, which would then bring them home. After a 4-6 month trip back to Earth,
the crew would return almost three years after beginning their epic adventure.


bron: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/mars/human_crew/index.html




	  			 JordiBrouwer
				jordier@dds.nl
                	         icq 44583500