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Just got this when clicking "New Posts"
Ikonboard CGI Error
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Ikonboard has exited with the following error:
Not a directory
This error was reported at: Sources/Search/API/api_DBM.pm line 45.
Please note that your 'real' paths have been removed to protect your information.
Yes, I have experienced this a couple of times today - but my messages successfully posted and I wrote it off as a latency issue somewhere in the process flow of the software.
(responding to Lars)
2018 has got to be it... robots have to go first. But I don't want those that advocate a Mars Direct mission to stop their hard work and truly pioneering efforts. At the pace things are going and the logistics involved, I feel the 2018 window is a good one to shoot for. And by that time, propulsion technology will bring travel time way down.
When I say "thousands of robots" I am taking into account all of the entomopters, cluster probes and multiple release packages of small disposable robots created by the boom in miniaturization and autonomous robotics. These could number in the thousands after 10-15 years. I would like to promote a Mars Challenge to private companies and federal programs to incentivize all of those amazing people and students building prototypes for Battlebots and Robot Wars and turn their interest to Mars. Part of the Mars Challenge would incorporate robotic probe contests to spur more widespread development of new and competing technologies to reduce the cost of getting machinery on the surface and in the martian atmosphere. Between media/advertising coops, government grants, private funding, universities and a Next Generation public outreach campaign, this (or an evolved variation) can be done.
Phase 2 - Yes, there are some radiation issues, but think about it. We need some type of orbital infrastructure. no matter how basic. Some great science can be done from orbit by specialists remotely controlling surface probes in a very skilled way. The real-time feedback and science of this approach I think will be invaluable.
Regarding the characteristics of those extreme adventurers who do go, you are right. They will need to have a great PR presence because reality entertainment will play a big role in the Greatest Human Adventure!
I can't see a human surface mission happening before the 2018 perihelic opposition. I agree with Peter about respect for Zubrin as well as the need to work on alternate plans.
I advocate the following four phases:
Phase 1 (2003 - 2014) - First comes HREP, short for Heavy Robotic Exploration. We send thousands of inexpensive robots to conduct science, scouting and a support infrastructure for future missions.
Phase 2 (2014 - 2018) - Next is a series of Human Orbital Missions that will place skilled humans into orbit around Mars to interact with robots on the surface. This enables mission specialists to remotely control craft below in real-time, allowing them to operate much more efficiently without the ~20 minute communications lag on Earth.
Phase 3 (2018 - 2032) - Human Surface Mission and First Colonies. Then come the first humans, selected because of their extreme athleticism, developed intellect and survival skills in intense environments.
Phase 4 (2032 and beyond) - Settlement, Surface Engineering and Beginning of Terraforming
I believe that this approach and timeline could be accomplished primarily through private funding and operations.
It has occurred to me that a practical first human mission to Mars would be an orbital one and not a surface mission. From orbit, mission specialists could control robots in real-time without the ~20 minute comm lag we experience today. The logistics of such a mission would be vastly simpler than a fully crewed surface mission and could prove key technologies in advance of a surface crew. Serious science and long distance scouting could be accomplished much more rapidly this way with large numbers of inexpensive robots to do advanced work on the planet's surface.
I would be interested in any information or feedback regarding the concept of a first human orbital mission to Mars and past references to such a mission.
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