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#26 Re: Terraformation » Provide the Moon with atmosphere - oxygen one » 2005-05-04 23:31:45
The moon is never going to have an atmosphere, due to the low gravity.
People working on the moon for the long term will have to move their main operations underground, due to the possiblility of solar flares.
They will work on the surface, too, but live underground. It's the cheapest and most reliable way to provide shielding.
To answer the question about the asteroid: Maybe. Remember, it takes seven months or about to reach Mars traveling at a pretty good clip. Slow the rock down too much and it could take a LONG time to reach lunar orbit...
#27 Re: Human missions » The reason to go to mars - Going to mars is not a waste of money » 2005-05-04 22:47:57
Don't fall for all that hoo-rah about going to the moon and setting up there to go to Mars.
Go to the moon, and there's where we'll stay for the next fifty years.
The problem is simple. You want to go to Mars. Transferring all the technology and construction material, dealing with thousands of contractors, etc. Do you think this can be done from the MOON?
Not a chance. It would be a difficult enough proposition from Earth. It is similar to asking NASA to move their operation to Mount Everest and then telling them: Okay, now put together a mission to Mars.
All the technology is already based here. All the equipment is down here, not up there. If we get bogged down on the moon, you can kiss Mars goodbye for at least the next fifty years. Even NASA knows this.
The problems of weight or launch vehicles from Earth pale in comparison to what you would ask. Think of the cost to transport even the smallest bit of material to a base on the moon. Astronomical. You think the costs from Earth would be great? Try moving everything to the Moon and then asking for more money to go to Mars. Romantic idea, often espoused. Won't work.
#28 Re: Human missions » The reason to go to mars - Going to mars is not a waste of money » 2005-05-04 22:32:08
I have recently completed a novel about a first mission to Mars. The title is: "The 13th Day Of Christmas."
I disagree with the post that stated nothing relevant came into being from the space program. It wasn't just Apollo. NASA did develop computers smaller than normal for the time, although they only recycled at the rate of once per second.
It is no longer a question of 'if' we are going to Mars. NASA is already making plans to go, as their budget allows.
There are a ton of reasons to go there, but one basic reason is often overlooked: Because there is water on Mars. Recent photos from the Mars Orbiter have shown that water has been upwelling to the surface on Mars, creating small channels, and then evaporating into the atmosphere. We're not talking about a thousand years ago, either. This is happening NOW.
This means water is present on the Red Planet in two places: Underground, and in the ice caps.
Also, Mars is the most likely place to harbor life, besides the Earth.
When the NASA brain boys work on mission plans, they call them 'DRM's'
One of the DRM's calls for an Apollo-type mission to Mars, rather than launching several heavy-lift bodies into orbit first. This means a smaller crew, only one cargo module having to reach Mars before the main spacecraft, and a shorter stay on the surface. (Perhaps 100 days.)
Many at NASA now believe this scenario is the most realistic, and offers the fewest risks.
#29 Re: Meta New Mars » Hello from Seattle - New member intro » 2005-05-04 22:05:33
Hi,
I only recently discovered this forum, and already I am impressed by the content I've read.
My name's Robert M. Blevins. My writing and business partner, Gayla J and I own a small housecleaning business that is a few steps above the average.
In our spare time we write. Although we dip into different genres, our main writing is fact-based science fiction.
We have two finished novels currently being shopped around. "Say Goodbye To The Sun," and "The 13th Day Of Christmas."
"13th Day" is about a first mission to Mars. Much of our research comes from JPL and the Mars Exploration Program.
Our website is listed as a 'recommended resource' by Writers' Digest.com Lots of free downloads, enhanced NASA pics, music, and no popups or ads....
In our spare time, we take to the mountains and hike, fish, use the telescope, sometimes even edit our work. The fresh air works wonders for bringing out new ideas.
I am looking forward to adding my bit to the forum. Thanks! 
http://www.freewebs.com/adventurebooks]Adventure Books-Creating Dreams In Science Fiction and Adventure