As a member of the Royal Astronomical Society and the 'Campaign for Science & Engineering' I was lucky to attend a lecture by NASA's chief scientist, Dr Ellen Stofan. The lecture described an international programme that should see humans on the surface of the red planet by 2035. Although, as Dr Stofan highlighted, there are some immense logistical and engineering problems that require solving to get to that point—the road will be long and arduous, but I have confidence that human ingenuity will prevail.
In the wake of ESA’s latest successful mission to comet 67P NASA’s chief scientist, Dr Ellen Stofan, outlines the future of planetary science and human exploration to Mars.
In an inspiring lecture presented at the science museum, London (14/11/2014), Dr Stofan described a realistic schedule, assembled by the international science community, that should place humans in lunar orbit by the ‘early 2030s’ and on the surface of Mars ‘by 2035.’
The programme is scheduled to be delivered in progressive stages and will provide solutions to certain logistical and engineering problems, such as: human nutrition, water supply and colony sustainability; through to, radiation exposure, propulsion/braking systems and energy supply.
Another critical problem is microgravity. The effects of microgravity have been studied on past space missions and are currently being monitored on the International Space Station.
How humans operate in microgravity is vitally important, as physiological problems such as calcium depletion, muscle wastage, cognitive impairment and intracranial pressure have been observed. Also, as Dr Stofan highlights, environmental issues such as dust particulates will need to be overcome, as any free floating particles will have detrimental effects on sensitive equipment and human respiratory systems.
Coupled with these issues, one further problem with space exploration is escaping Earth’s gravitational field, this means current rocket payloads have highly limited mass restrictions. To help overcome this problem an intermediate staging post like the Moon will be utilised and remote 3D printing has been suggested to help create living quarters and other logistical implements that maybe required—again, the effects of microgravity on printing materials will have to be solved.
Current and future planned missions to Mars, include: ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter (2016) and ExoMars rover (2018), NASA’s MAVEN programme (satellite in orbit – 21st Sept 2014), and a further planned orbiter (currently unnamed) in 2020. These missions will provide detailed environmental analysis (water, weather, mineral deposits, etc), as well as geological mapping that will help maximise success for any future human habitation/exploration.
Mechanical rovers have proved to be very successful so far but are highly restricted in what they can ultimately achieve. As Dr Stofan pointed out, ‘I have a notion that it will take humans on the surface of Mars to actually get the science we need.’ The programme that NASA is coordinating along with the international community should ensure this ambition is fulfilled on target.
No comments:
Post a Comment