Recent spacecraft and robotic probes to Mars have yielded data that are changing our understanding significantly about the possibility of existing or past life on that planet. Coupled with advances in biology and life-detection techniques, these developments place increasing importance on the need to protect Mars from contamination by Earth-borne organisms. To help with this effort, NASA requested that the NRC examine existing planetary protection measures for Mars and recommend changes and further research to improve such measures. This report discusses policies, requirements, and techniques to protect Mars from organisms originating on Earth that could interfere with scientific investigations. It provides recommendations on cleanliness and biological burden levels of Mars-bound spacecraft, methods to reach those levels, and research to reduce uncertainties in preventing forward contamination of Mars.
What do we know about Mars? What remains to be understood? Is there evidence of life there? Will humans ever travel there? The dream of exploring Mars has been around since the early days of human civilization and still forms part of our vision of the future for the human race. Today, we send unmanned spacecraft to explore this neighboring world to examine its climate, search for evidence of past or present life, and learn how conditions there relate to those on Earth. Plans are now being prepared for a manned mission to Mars, set against an uncertain background of political, practical, technical and financial considerations. This unique book provides a complete description of the past, present and future of Mars exploration. Written by a scientist intimately involved with missions to Mars, it provides a personal first-hand account. It will appeal to anyone interested in this fascinating planet.
This document communicates NASA’s strategy and progress to learn about the Red Planet, to inform us more about our Earth’s past and future, and may help answer whether life exists beyond our home planet. Together with NASA’s partners in academia and commercial enterprises, NASA’s vision is to pioneer Mars and answer some of humanity’s fundamental questions: • Was Mars home to microbial life? Is it today? • Could it be a safe home for humans one day? • What can it teach us about life elsewhere in the cosmos or how life began on Earth? • What can it teach us about Earth’s past, present, and future?
More than 50 years after the Mariner 4 flyby on 15 July 1965, Mars still represents the next frontier of space explorations. Of particular focus nowadays is crewed missions to the red planet. Over three sections, this book explores missions to Mars, in situ operations, and human-rated missions. Chapters address elements of design and possible psychological effects related to human-rated missions. The information contained herein will allow for the development of safe and efficient exploration missions to Mars.
Introduction: The book "Exploring Mars: The Red Planet Revealed" welcomes readers to the enigmatic world of Mars, a planet that has captivated human imagination for centuries. It emphasizes the importance of Mars exploration and provides an overview of the topics covered in the book. Chapter 1: The Geology of Mars: This chapter delves into the geological history of Mars, covering its formation and evolution. It explores surface features such as volcanoes, valleys, and impact craters, comparing geological similarities and differences with Earth. Recent discoveries in Martian geology are highlighted, providing insights into the planet's past. Chapter 2: The Atmosphere of Mars: The atmospheric conditions of Mars are examined in detail, including its composition, structure, and climate patterns. Atmospheric phenomena such as dust storms and clouds are discussed, along with the challenges posed by the thin atmosphere for human exploration. Chapter 3: Potential for Life on Mars: This chapter explores the historical perspectives on Martian life and examines the factors influencing habitability, such as water, temperature, and radiation. The search for extremophiles and current/future missions focusing on astrobiology are also addressed. Chapter 4: Exploration History: A historical overview of Mars exploration is provided, from early observations to recent robotic missions like Curiosity and Perseverance. The contributions of international space agencies and private companies to Martian exploration are discussed. Chapter 5: Future Missions and Human Colonization: The chapter outlines plans for future human missions to Mars, addressing the challenges of long-duration space travel and living on the planet. Proposals for Martian habitats, life support systems, and the concept of terraforming are explored. Chapter 6: Technological Advancements and Innovations: Technological breakthroughs in Martian exploration are examined, including advancements in rovers, landers, and orbiters. Emerging technologies and the role of AI and robotics in Mars exploration are also discussed. Chapter 7: Economic Opportunities and Resource Utilization: The potential resources on Mars, such as water, minerals, and gases, are explored for their applications in in-situ resource utilization. Economic incentives for private sector involvement in Mars exploration and ethical considerations are addressed. Chapter 8: Cultural Impact and Imagination: This chapter delves into the cultural impact of Mars exploration, including its portrayal in literature, film, and popular culture. The significance of Mars exploration and its role in inspiring future generations of explorers are highlighted. Conclusion: The book concludes by reflecting on the journey of exploring Mars and the ongoing exploration efforts. It looks ahead to the next chapter in Martian exploration and the possibilities it holds for humanity. Addendum: The addendum includes a glossary of terms, a list of organic and inorganic matter found on Mars, as well as additional information on volcanoes, valleys, and craters on the planet. References are provided for further reading and research.
Papers from the June 1990 conference reflect the heyday of the Bush administration's Space Exploration Initiative, focusing on creating a rationale for exploration of Mars. Contains sections on making the international case for Mars, mission strategy, and technical considerations for getting to Mars. No index. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
The Study concludes that international space exploration uniquely offers humanity access to an exciting frontier of new knowledge. Discoveries on new worlds in new environments by robotic explorers add to our knowledge of the Solar system, but they also explore the possibilities of extension of human life beyond our fragile Earth. Subsequent visits by astronauts to these other worlds will provide real data on the feasibility of such dreams. Travel to Mars is technically challenging. Therefore, a comprehensive program of Martian exploration must include both robotic and human missions. The study recommends a focused robotic precursor effort with an on-going effort of robotic missions to assist the choice of the emplacement of human outposts and continue human scientific exploration.
The next frontier in space exploration is Mars, the red planet--and human habitation of Mars isn't much farther off. Now the National Geographic Channel goes years fast-forward with "Mars," a six-part series documenting and dramatizing the next 25 years as humans land on and learn to live on Mars. This companion book to the series explores the science behind the mission and the challenges awaiting those brave individuals. Filled with vivid photographs taken on Earth, in space, and on Mars; arresting maps; and commentary from the world's top planetary scientists, this fascinating book will take you millions of miles away--and decades into the future--to our next home in the solar system.
