Features
ISBN Number: 9781852337353
Subtitle: How We Are Going to Get to Mars
Author: Turner, Martin J. L.
Publisher: Springer
Location: London
Subject: Aeronautics & Astronautics
Subject: Astrophysics & Space Science
Subject: Astronomy
Subject: Manned space flight
Subject: Astronomy, Universe
Subject: Space flight to mars
Subject: Mercury
Subject: Mars
Subject: Nuclear
Subject: Electric propulsion.
Subject: Human exploration
Copyright: 2004
Edition Number: 1
Edition Description: Paperback
Series: Springer Praxis Books in Space Exploration
Publication Date: January 2004
Cover Type: Paperback
Written in: English
Illustrations: Y
Number of Pages: 321
Book Size: 932x640x73 142
The technical challenges of a human expedition to Mars are the principal theme to be explored by Martin Turner in Expedition Mars. The author begins by describing how the very latest rocket propulsion and spacecraft technology, and planned developments in nuclear and electric propulsion technologies, are the key factors which will enable a human expedition to Mars to take place. Of particular importance are the challenges of transporting cargo to Mars and in providing necessary life support for the crew, including the supply of consumables, such as food, water, air and fuel, for the return journey. In this regard the author considers how the International Space Station fits into the strategy for a human journey to the Red Planet, in its preparation of astronauts for long-duration spaceflight and the possible hazards posed by space radiation and prolonged weightlessness.
The author discusses the relative merits of fast and slow journeys to Mars, i.e. is quicker also safer and cheaper? Also of importance is the role of unmanned robotic explorers in preparing the ground for human activities on Mars and in defining what the surface of Mars is like. The means by which future explorers will live and work on Mars are also explored, including issues such as habitation, modules, Mars buggies, spacesuits, scientific experiments and communications with Earth. He concludes by looking at the possible political obstacles to such a journey, but points out that sooner or later humans will have to make a choice; stay here on Earth or explore the Solar System beyond. One route takes us nowhere, the other leads to the stars. Synopsis:
The author begins by describing how the very latest rocket propulsion and spacecraft technology, and planned developments in nuclear and electric propulsion technologies, are the key factors which will enable a human expedition to Mars to take place.
Synopsis:
For those interested in the human conquest of space and exploration of the planets, Martin Turner describers the challenges that will be presented by the next "giant leap" in the human exploration of our Solar System--a return journey to the Red Planet. The author begins by describing how the very latest rocket propulsion and spacecraft technology, and planned developments in nuclear and electric propulsion technologies, are the key factors that will enable a human expedition to Mars. Of particular importance are the challenges of transporting cargo to Mars and in providing necessary life support for the crew, including supply of consumables, such as food, water, air and fuel, for the return journey.
