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Debate: Mission to the Moon or Mars?
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Revision as of 18:37, 21 October 2010 (edit) Brooks Lindsay (Talk | contribs) (→Pro) ← Previous diff |
Current revision (19:16, 21 October 2010) (edit) Brooks Lindsay (Talk | contribs) (→Public opinion: Where does public opinion stand on the issue?) |
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*'''[[Argument: Mars will subject spacemen to high levels of radiation| Mars will subject spacemen to high levels of radiation]]''' [http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/nasa-outlines-its-strategy-for-manned-mission-to-mars-in-2031_1007096.html "NASA outlines its strategy for manned mission to Mars in 2031." Thaindian News. November 29th, 2007]: "NASA needs to come up with solutions for effectively protecting the astronauts from the high levels of cosmic radiation they will be exposed to in deep space and on the surface of Mars. They will also need medical equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or injuries." | *'''[[Argument: Mars will subject spacemen to high levels of radiation| Mars will subject spacemen to high levels of radiation]]''' [http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/nasa-outlines-its-strategy-for-manned-mission-to-mars-in-2031_1007096.html "NASA outlines its strategy for manned mission to Mars in 2031." Thaindian News. November 29th, 2007]: "NASA needs to come up with solutions for effectively protecting the astronauts from the high levels of cosmic radiation they will be exposed to in deep space and on the surface of Mars. They will also need medical equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or injuries." | ||
- | *'''Long weightless travel to Mars would weaken Astronauts' bodies''' [http://212.58.226.17:8080/1/hi/health/736512.stm "Astronauts face bone danger." BBC. May 4, 2000]: "Astronauts returning from missions in space may take months to start recovering from dangerous bone-thinning. Living in conditions of near zero-gravity places less stress on bones, and in response, they weaken. This thinning could mean that astronauts are vulnerable to bone fractures." Also because of the lack of work done by the muscles during long durations of weightlessness, the human heart weakens very much from underuse which could endanger a long-term space mission by far. | + | *'''[[Argument: Long weightless travel to Mars would weaken Astronauts| Long weightless travel to Mars would weaken Astronauts]]''' [http://212.58.226.17:8080/1/hi/health/736512.stm "Astronauts face bone danger." BBC. May 4, 2000]: "Astronauts returning from missions in space may take months to start recovering from dangerous bone-thinning. Living in conditions of near zero-gravity places less stress on bones, and in response, they weaken. This thinning could mean that astronauts are vulnerable to bone fractures." Also because of the lack of work done by the muscles during long durations of weightlessness, the human heart weakens very much from underuse which could endanger a long-term space mission by far. |
- | *'''Entry into the Martian atmosphere is very hazardous.''' [http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/mars/going.asp "Going to Mars: A mission fraught with risk." Canadian Space Agency. September 9, 2003]: "Hazards of entering into the Martian atmosphere. Entry into the Martian atmosphere is a crucial stage of the mission and represents a massive obstacle to its success. Various factors—such as the density of the Martian atmosphere, a sandstorm, an outcrop of rock, the spacecraft's speed, a faulty trajectory, a lack of fuel, or an electronic glitch—could jeopardize a mission. Many missions have, in fact, failed at this stage." | + | *'''[[Argument: Entry into the Martian atmosphere is hazardous| Entry into the Martian atmosphere is hazardous]]''' [http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/mars/going.asp "Going to Mars: A mission fraught with risk." Canadian Space Agency. September 9, 2003]: "Hazards of entering into the Martian atmosphere. Entry into the Martian atmosphere is a crucial stage of the mission and represents a massive obstacle to its success. Various factors—such as the density of the Martian atmosphere, a sandstorm, an outcrop of rock, the spacecraft's speed, a faulty trajectory, a lack of fuel, or an electronic glitch—could jeopardize a mission. Many missions have, in fact, failed at this stage." |
- | *'''Rescue mission to Mars is not possible.''' [http://www.thespacereview.com/article/221/1 Sam Dinkin. "Colonize the Moon before Mars." The Space Review. September 7, 2004]: "First, on a mission to the Moon, Earth rescue is a decent possibility for certain kinds of failures. On a trip to Mars, this would be out of the question. As NASA is finding out with its shuttle return to flight efforts, having a standby rescue ship and a space station to go to makes failure recovery for many failures feasible without too much increased capability from our existing hardware." | + | *'''[[Argument: Rescue mission to Mars is not possible| Rescue mission to Mars is not possible]]''' [http://www.thespacereview.com/article/221/1 Sam Dinkin. "Colonize the Moon before Mars." The Space Review. September 7, 2004]: "First, on a mission to the Moon, Earth rescue is a decent possibility for certain kinds of failures. On a trip to Mars, this would be out of the question. As NASA is finding out with its shuttle return to flight efforts, having a standby rescue ship and a space station to go to makes failure recovery for many failures feasible without too much increased capability from our existing hardware." |
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*'''Artificial gravity can overcome zero-gravity on Mars mission.''' The problem of zero gravity during the trip to Mars is actually not a problem at all: zero-gravity conditions can be eliminated altogether during the trip, as artificial gravity can be created through the use of centrifugal force. Furthermore, we should take into account the Mir cosmonauts, Sergei Avdev spending a total of 748 days in zero-gravity over 3 missions, and Valeri Polyakov spending 438 consecutive days without gravity. There were no long term negative impact, having no reason to believe that zero gravity causes health problems. [http://www.marssociety.org/portal/c/faq#how_much_cash] | *'''Artificial gravity can overcome zero-gravity on Mars mission.''' The problem of zero gravity during the trip to Mars is actually not a problem at all: zero-gravity conditions can be eliminated altogether during the trip, as artificial gravity can be created through the use of centrifugal force. Furthermore, we should take into account the Mir cosmonauts, Sergei Avdev spending a total of 748 days in zero-gravity over 3 missions, and Valeri Polyakov spending 438 consecutive days without gravity. There were no long term negative impact, having no reason to believe that zero gravity causes health problems. [http://www.marssociety.org/portal/c/faq#how_much_cash] | ||
- | *'''Mars can be terraformed, while Moon cannot.''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/terraforming.html "First step in terraforming Mars." On to Mars]: "When we compare our moon to Mars, we see that Mars is much easier to terraform then the Moon. The moon's 28 day day-night cycle is unsupportable for plants and isn't comfortable for humans either. Plant growth on a greenhouse on the moon wouldn't be possible either: solar radiation would destroy them and if the greenhouse was made to shield the solar radiation ( a very thick greenhouse ), the temperature differences would kill the plants: Much too hot during day-time, much too cold during the night." | + | *'''[[Argument: Mars can be terraformed, while Moon cannot| Mars can be terraformed, while Moon cannot]]''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/terraforming.html "First step in terraforming Mars." On to Mars]: "When we compare our moon to Mars, we see that Mars is much easier to terraform then the Moon. The moon's 28 day day-night cycle is unsupportable for plants and isn't comfortable for humans either. Plant growth on a greenhouse on the moon wouldn't be possible either: solar radiation would destroy them and if the greenhouse was made to shield the solar radiation ( a very thick greenhouse ), the temperature differences would kill the plants: Much too hot during day-time, much too cold during the night." |
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*'''If we could go to the Moon in 1969, we can go to Mars now.''' The idea that humans are somehow not yet prepared to go to Mars, and that we need more preparation and practice (by again going to the Moon, or through some other process), ignores the fact that going to the Moon was a monumental challenge in 1969, and yet we did it. Going to Mars now is an equivalent challenge to going to the Moon in 1969. It's a challenge, but we can do it. | *'''If we could go to the Moon in 1969, we can go to Mars now.''' The idea that humans are somehow not yet prepared to go to Mars, and that we need more preparation and practice (by again going to the Moon, or through some other process), ignores the fact that going to the Moon was a monumental challenge in 1969, and yet we did it. Going to Mars now is an equivalent challenge to going to the Moon in 1969. It's a challenge, but we can do it. | ||
- | *'''We can commit to a mission to Mars before knowing how.''' Robert Zubrin, president of the Mars Society: "This idea that you have to know how to do it before you can commit yourself to the program is completely false. We didn't know that we could do Lewis and Clark successfully before we set them out [to explore the American West in the 1800s]."[http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/07/20/nasa.future.human.exploration/] | + | *'''[[Argument: We can commit to a mission to Mars before knowing how| We can commit to a mission to Mars before knowing how]]''' Robert Zubrin, president of the Mars Society: "This idea that you have to know how to do it before you can commit yourself to the program is completely false. We didn't know that we could do Lewis and Clark successfully before we set them out [to explore the American West in the 1800s]."[http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/07/20/nasa.future.human.exploration/] |
- | *'''Committing to Mars will inspire NASA/Scientists to make it happen.''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/why.html "Why we must go to Mars." On to Mars]: "There are additional reasons to send humans to Mars. Nations, like people, thrive on challenge; they languish without it. The space program needs a challenge. Consider these statistics: Between 1961 and 1973, with the impetus of the moon race, NASA produced technological innovations at a rate several orders of magnitude greater than that it has shown since. Even so, NASA's average budget in real dollars then was only about 20 percent more than today ($16 billion 1998 dollars compared with $13 billion). Why the enhanced productivity? Because NASA had a goal that forced its reach to exceed its grasp. Far from being a waste of money, having NASA take on the challenge of a manned mission to Mars is the key to giving the nation a real return for its space dollars." | + | *'''[[Argument: Committing to Mars will inspire NASA to make it happen| Committing to Mars will inspire NASA to make it happen]]''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/why.html "Why we must go to Mars." On to Mars]: "There are additional reasons to send humans to Mars. Nations, like people, thrive on challenge; they languish without it. The space program needs a challenge. Consider these statistics: Between 1961 and 1973, with the impetus of the moon race, NASA produced technological innovations at a rate several orders of magnitude greater than that it has shown since. Even so, NASA's average budget in real dollars then was only about 20 percent more than today ($16 billion 1998 dollars compared with $13 billion). Why the enhanced productivity? Because NASA had a goal that forced its reach to exceed its grasp. Far from being a waste of money, having NASA take on the challenge of a manned mission to Mars is the key to giving the nation a real return for its space dollars." |
- | *'''Orbit of Earth around Sun makes speed faster to Mars than Moon.''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/mannedmissions.html "Manned mission to Mars." On to Mars]: "But reaching Mars is a bit easier thanks to Earth's rotation around the sun. As a rocket escapes Earth to reach another object in space, Earth gives it an extra speed because of its 30 km/sec orbital speed. When we try to reach Mars we profit from this effect, but when we reached the moon, we don't." | + | *'''[[Argument: Orbit of Earth around Sun makes speed faster to Mars than Moon| Orbit of Earth around Sun makes speed faster to Mars than Moon]]''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/mannedmissions.html "Manned mission to Mars." On to Mars]: "But reaching Mars is a bit easier thanks to Earth's rotation around the sun. As a rocket escapes Earth to reach another object in space, Earth gives it an extra speed because of its 30 km/sec orbital speed. When we try to reach Mars we profit from this effect, but when we reached the moon, we don't." |
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:Eugene Cernan, who was the last astronaut to step off the Moon, said in 2009: "We need to go back to the Moon, we need to learn a little bit more about what we think we know already."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8158519.stm] | :Eugene Cernan, who was the last astronaut to step off the Moon, said in 2009: "We need to go back to the Moon, we need to learn a little bit more about what we think we know already."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8158519.stm] | ||
- | *'''Moon is desolate, but still holds important scientific discoveries.''' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8158347.stm Richard Hollingham. "Why go back to the Moon?" BBC. July 19, 2009]: "The exploration of the Moon is maybe best compared with the expeditions to Antarctica. They are both uncompromising, extreme environments that, at first, would appear to have little to offer to human advancement. As it's turned out, Antarctica has proved to be vital for scientific discovery. It has taught us about our atmosphere, oceans and climate. 18th and 19th century explorers were desperate to discover that last continent - in the 21st century the Moon provides an even greater challenge." | + | *'''[[Argument: Moon desolate, but still holds scientific mysteries| Moon desolate, but still holds scientific mysteries]]''' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8158347.stm Richard Hollingham. "Why go back to the Moon?" BBC. July 19, 2009]: "The exploration of the Moon is maybe best compared with the expeditions to Antarctica. They are both uncompromising, extreme environments that, at first, would appear to have little to offer to human advancement. As it's turned out, Antarctica has proved to be vital for scientific discovery. It has taught us about our atmosphere, oceans and climate. 18th and 19th century explorers were desperate to discover that last continent - in the 21st century the Moon provides an even greater challenge." |
*'''Moon affects Earth more than Mars so should be returned to.''' Since the Moon does affect the Earth more directly and strongly than the planet Mars, wouldn't it be most logical to study the object with the most impact first. We have barely scratched the surface (literally and figuratively) of Moon research and something that affects the Earth in such a great magnitude should most defintely researched thoroughly before other celestial bodies such as the planet Mars. | *'''Moon affects Earth more than Mars so should be returned to.''' Since the Moon does affect the Earth more directly and strongly than the planet Mars, wouldn't it be most logical to study the object with the most impact first. We have barely scratched the surface (literally and figuratively) of Moon research and something that affects the Earth in such a great magnitude should most defintely researched thoroughly before other celestial bodies such as the planet Mars. | ||
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*'''[[Argument: Mars is more scientifically interesting than the Moon| Mars is more scientifically interesting than the Moon]]''' Apollo astronaut Michael Collins, who circled the Moon alone while Mr Armstrong and Mr Aldrin walked on it, said Mars was more interesting than the Moon: "Sometimes I think I flew to the wrong place. Mars was always my favourite as a kid and it still is today."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8158519.stm] | *'''[[Argument: Mars is more scientifically interesting than the Moon| Mars is more scientifically interesting than the Moon]]''' Apollo astronaut Michael Collins, who circled the Moon alone while Mr Armstrong and Mr Aldrin walked on it, said Mars was more interesting than the Moon: "Sometimes I think I flew to the wrong place. Mars was always my favourite as a kid and it still is today."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8158519.stm] | ||
- | *'''Mars reveals more to scientists about climate change.''' [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/06/23/aldrin.mars/index.html Buzz Aldrin. "Commentary: Let's aim for Mars". CNN. June 23, 2009]: "Exploring and colonizing Mars can bring us new scientific understanding of climate change, of how planet-wide processes can make a warm and wet world into a barren landscape." | + | *'''[[Argument: Mars reveals more to scientists about climate change| Mars reveals more to scientists about climate change]]''' [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/06/23/aldrin.mars/index.html Buzz Aldrin. "Commentary: Let's aim for Mars". CNN. June 23, 2009]: "Exploring and colonizing Mars can bring us new scientific understanding of climate change, of how planet-wide processes can make a warm and wet world into a barren landscape." |
*'''[[Argument: Mars mission would reveal much about Earth's history/future| Mars mission would reveal much about Earth's history/future.]]''' [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/06/23/aldrin.mars/index.html Buzz Aldrin. "Commentary: Let's aim for Mars". CNN. June 23, 2009]: "Exploring and colonizing Mars can bring us new scientific understanding of [...] how planet-wide processes can make a warm and wet world into a barren landscape. By exploring and understanding Mars, we may gain key insights into the past and future of our own world." | *'''[[Argument: Mars mission would reveal much about Earth's history/future| Mars mission would reveal much about Earth's history/future.]]''' [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/06/23/aldrin.mars/index.html Buzz Aldrin. "Commentary: Let's aim for Mars". CNN. June 23, 2009]: "Exploring and colonizing Mars can bring us new scientific understanding of [...] how planet-wide processes can make a warm and wet world into a barren landscape. By exploring and understanding Mars, we may gain key insights into the past and future of our own world." | ||
- | *'''Mars could be made inhabitable, but not the Moon.''' [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/06/23/aldrin.mars/index.html Buzz Aldrin. "Let's Aim for Mars." CNN. June 23, 2009]: "Just as Mars -- a desert planet -- gives us insights into global climate change on Earth, the promise awaits for bringing back to life portions of the Red Planet through the application of Earth Science to its similar chemistry, possibly reawakening its life-bearing potential." | + | *'''[[Argument: Mars could be made inhabitable, but not the Moon| Mars could be made inhabitable, but not the Moon]]''' [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/06/23/aldrin.mars/index.html Buzz Aldrin. "Let's Aim for Mars." CNN. June 23, 2009]: "Just as Mars -- a desert planet -- gives us insights into global climate change on Earth, the promise awaits for bringing back to life portions of the Red Planet through the application of Earth Science to its similar chemistry, possibly reawakening its life-bearing potential." |
*'''[[Argument: Mars mission would inspire kids to become scientists| Mars mission would inspire kids to become scientists]]''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/why.html "Why we must go to Mars." On to Mars]: "The first manned landing on Mars would serve as an invitation to adventure for children around the world. There will be some 100 million kids in the U.S. schools over the next 10 years. If a Mars program were to inspire just an additional 1 percent of them to pursue scientific educations, the net result would be one million more scientists, engineers, inventors, medical researchers and doctors." | *'''[[Argument: Mars mission would inspire kids to become scientists| Mars mission would inspire kids to become scientists]]''' [http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/why.html "Why we must go to Mars." On to Mars]: "The first manned landing on Mars would serve as an invitation to adventure for children around the world. There will be some 100 million kids in the U.S. schools over the next 10 years. If a Mars program were to inspire just an additional 1 percent of them to pursue scientific educations, the net result would be one million more scientists, engineers, inventors, medical researchers and doctors." | ||
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*'''[[Argument: There is little public support for a mission to Mars| There is little public support for a mission to Mars]]''' [http://cumbriansky.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/mars-beckons/ "Mars beckons." Cumbrian Sky. July 21, 2009]: "THE PUBLIC AREN’T INTERESTED IN SENDING PEOPLE TO MARS. There. I’ve said it. We were all thinking it, but no-one was saying it. Time to face facts. There is, at present, NO public demand – or even support – for a manned mission to Mars. They think it would be a huge amount of money spent for absolutely bugger all practical use. And until space enthusiasts and the space community, and, yes, NASA itself, can give the public a damned good reason for sending people to Mars and not just more rovers, WE ARE NOT GOING TO MARS." | *'''[[Argument: There is little public support for a mission to Mars| There is little public support for a mission to Mars]]''' [http://cumbriansky.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/mars-beckons/ "Mars beckons." Cumbrian Sky. July 21, 2009]: "THE PUBLIC AREN’T INTERESTED IN SENDING PEOPLE TO MARS. There. I’ve said it. We were all thinking it, but no-one was saying it. Time to face facts. There is, at present, NO public demand – or even support – for a manned mission to Mars. They think it would be a huge amount of money spent for absolutely bugger all practical use. And until space enthusiasts and the space community, and, yes, NASA itself, can give the public a damned good reason for sending people to Mars and not just more rovers, WE ARE NOT GOING TO MARS." | ||
- | *'''Women are much less intent on a mission to Mars than men.''' [http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/20/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5173978.shtml Brian Montopoli. "Poll: Americans Say U.S. Should Go to Mars." CBS. July 20, 2009]: "Men (62 percent) are far more likely than women (42 percent) to favor sending astronauts to the planet." | + | *'''[[Argument: Women are less keen on mission to Mars than men| Women are less keen on mission to Mars than men]]''' [http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/20/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5173978.shtml Brian Montopoli. "Poll: Americans Say U.S. Should Go to Mars." CBS. July 20, 2009]: "Men (62 percent) are far more likely than women (42 percent) to favor sending astronauts to the planet." |
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Current revision
[Edit] Background and contextWith space exploration gradually progressing, many are wondering whether we should return to the Moon first or attempt a landing on Mars. Some refer to this as the "Moon First" debate. This debate took new shape and importance in July of 2009, on the 40th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. They, and many other Apollo astronauts, argued - during this 40th anniversary celebratory period - that they would rather see human society push on to Mars than return to the moon. Their principal argument was that it was simply more inspiring, and a greater "frontier" for human exploration than a return trip to the Moon. They even extended this argument, based on their experience following the Moon landing, saying that a mission to Mars could help unify humankind and soften conflicts around the world - at a time when tensions and animosities internationally are fairly high. But, opponents make fairly compelling arguments as well, typically along the lines of a mission to mars being far more risky and expensive (and, at a time of financial difficulties). There are also practical challenges, such as how to keep humans on Mars for multiple months and safe from deep-space solar radiation. The weight of the supplies for such a long journey and the risks of bone-loss during the long weightless journey are also concerns that create major technical, practical, and economic barriers. But, as the former Apollo astronauts argue, these challenges are no greater in the modern era than those that faced NASA's moon mission in the less-technically-advanced 1960s. And, they ask, is it not the human spirit to take-on these challenges, instead of shrinking from them? These and other arguments are broken-down below. |
[Edit] [ ![]() Inspiration: Would a mission to the Moon be more inspiring? | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Risks: Is a moon mission considerably safer, and thus desirable? | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Feasibility: Is a mission to Mars less technologically feasible? | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Science: Is a new Moon landing better for scientific research? | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Moon-to-Mars: Would a Moon landing aid an eventual mission to Mars? | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Public opinion: Where does public opinion stand on the issue? | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Weighty statements: Miscellaneous quotations from weighty sources | |
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[Edit] [ ![]() Pro/con sources | |
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[Edit] See also
[Edit] External links and resources |
Categories: Space | Science | Moon | Mars | Technology