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Public Lecture Abstract - Explore Mars Lecture Tour 2004
HUMANS ON MARS
Research on the Earth and Moon in preparation for Mars Institute and NASA Ames Research Center The human exploration of Mars represents both an exciting prospect and a formidable challenge for upcoming decades in space. With respect to the first human mission to Mars, fundamental questions of why, when, how, where, what, and who have yet to be answered in specific detail. Why will humans go to Mars? When will they go? How will they go? Where will they land? What will they do on Mars? Who will make the journey? Research currently underway on Earth, in the field, the lab, low Earth orbit, and perhaps in upcoming years on the Moon and possibly on asteroids will help pave the way for humanity's first voyage to the Red Planet. Lessons being learned from current and planned Mars robotic missions are also critical. This lecture will review the challenge and status of the first human mission to Mars, and discuss current thinking and progress towards making that vision a reality. |