Mars Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

A number of scientific writers have proposed manipulating the ecology of Mars in order to make the planet more comfortable for future immigrants from Earth. However, the ethical acceptability of such ‘terraforming’ proposals remains... more

A number of scientific writers have proposed manipulating the ecology of Mars in order to make the planet more comfortable for future immigrants from Earth. However, the ethical acceptability of such ‘terraforming’ proposals remains unresolved. In response, in this article I explore some of these scientific proposals through the lens provided by Buddhist environmental ethics that are quantitatively expressed by practitioners in the ethnographic field of the United States. What I find is that contemporary Buddhists combine philosophical notions of interconnectedness with moral considerations not to harm others and then creatively extend this combined sensibility to the protection specifically of abiotic features of Mars. In so doing these Buddhists significantly reject proposals to alter the Martian ecology planet-wide as beyond the ethical right of humans. Along the way these Buddhists also importantly provide an innovative basis for enriching Buddhist environmental ethical protection of abiotic locations, and this strengthening can assist in mitigating climate change on Earth.

Going to Mars The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft containing the Curiosity rover, was launched from Earth in November 2011 and arrived at Gale crater on Mars in August 2012. Zeitlin et al. (p. 1080 ) report measurements of the... more

Going to Mars The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft containing the Curiosity rover, was launched from Earth in November 2011 and arrived at Gale crater on Mars in August 2012. Zeitlin et al. (p. 1080 ) report measurements of the energetic particle radiation environment inside the spacecraft during its cruise to Mars, confirming the hazard likely to be posed by this radiation to astronauts on a future potential trip to Mars. Williams et al. (p. 1068 , see the Perspective by Jerolmack ) report the detection of sedimentary conglomerates (pebbles mixed with sand and turned to rock) at Gale crater. The rounding of the rocks suggests abrasion of the pebbles as they were transported by flowing water several kilometers or more from their source.

Mars in unearthly, unchartered, unknown & yet attracts all of humanity. The hazards of the endeavor are overwhelmed by the hype & hope surrounding the enterprise. A variety of individuals, private companies, commercial firms and national... more

Mars in unearthly, unchartered, unknown & yet attracts all of humanity. The hazards of the endeavor are overwhelmed by the hype & hope surrounding the enterprise. A variety of individuals, private companies, commercial firms and national space agencies are engrossed in efforts at landing & inhabiting Mars. However, these efforts are disjoint and there exists little or no coordination. The aspirations as also hazards are immense, the resources scarce & costly. Consequently, left ungoverned, the potential for conflict in space exploration is high. There exists a critical need to regulate and coordinate affairs in this area right now when the technologies and legislation are yet immature. This calls for a credible institutionalized governance structure. This paper proposes an expansion of the existing United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to take on the mantle of space exploration governance and to continue with incremental progressions later.

The results of the biology and organic chemistry experiments carried aboard the Viking landers seem to rule out the possibility of life on Mars. However, we present a possible model of Martian ecology which is based on the premise that... more

The results of the biology and organic chemistry experiments carried aboard the Viking landers seem to rule out the possibility of life on Mars. However, we present a possible model of Martian ecology which is based on the premise that Martian life could be endolithic, and thus missed by the Viking biology experiments. This model is based, in part, on the endolithic microbiota found in the dry valleys of Antarctica. In addition, we combine our model with a previously described model which suggests that Mars may go through ice ages and periods of relatively mild climate.

The sulphate-rich deposits at Meridiani Planum, Mars, discovered by the rover Opportunity, were proposed to be playa evaporites that had been reworked by eolian processes. Alternative hypotheses include volcanic or impact-driven formation... more

The sulphate-rich deposits at Meridiani Planum, Mars, discovered by the rover Opportunity, were proposed to be playa evaporites that had been reworked by eolian processes. Alternative hypotheses include volcanic or impact-driven formation of the sediments. Here we argue that the cation chemistry, scale, mineralogy and structure of the Meridiani sedimentary deposits are best explained by eolian or impact-driven reworking of the sublimation residue from a large-scale deposit consisting of dust and ice. We suggest that silicate material underwent significant acid weathering inside the ice deposit when thin films of water, formed through radiant heating, enabled the reaction between silicate material and sulphate-rich aerosols deposited from the atmosphere. The massive ice deposit could have formed during a period of high obliquity or polar wander, and subsequently sublimed away when obliquity changed or the pole moved to a new location. We propose acid weathering inside massive ice deposits as an explanation for the formation of many of the sulphate-rich layered deposits on Mars, which share many characteristics, including mineralogy, structure, erosional characteristics and size, with the sediments found at Meridiani Planum.

The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, containing the Curiosity rover, was launched to Mars on 26 November 2011, and for most of the 253-day, 560-million-kilometer cruise to Mars, the Radiation Assessment Detector made detailed... more

The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, containing the Curiosity rover, was launched to Mars on 26 November 2011, and for most of the 253-day, 560-million-kilometer cruise to Mars, the Radiation Assessment Detector made detailed measurements of the energetic particle radiation environment inside the spacecraft. These data provide insights into the radiation hazards that would be associated with a human mission to Mars. We report measurements of the radiation dose, dose equivalent, and linear energy transfer spectra. The dose equivalent for even the shortest round-trip with current propulsion systems and comparable shielding is found to be 0.66 ± 0.12 sievert.

Ice-covered ocean worlds possess diverse energy sources and associated mechanisms that are capable of driving significant seismic activity, but to date no measurements of their seismic activity have been obtained. Such investigations... more

Ice-covered ocean worlds possess diverse energy sources and associated mechanisms that are capable of driving significant seismic activity, but to date no measurements of their seismic activity have been obtained. Such investigations could reveal the transport properties and radial structures, with possibilities for locating and characterizing trapped liquids that may host life and yielding critical constraints on redox fluxes and thus on habitability. Modeling efforts have examined seismic sources from tectonic fracturing and impacts. Here, we describe other possible seismic sources, their associations with science questions constraining habitability, and the feasibility of implementing such investigations. We argue, by analogy with the Moon, that detectable seismic activity should occur frequently on tidally flexed ocean worlds. Their ices fracture more easily than rocks and dissipate more tidal energy than the <1 GW of the Moon and Mars. Icy ocean worlds also should create les...

ABSTRACT We report scapolite in a melt inclusion in olivine in Nakhla, which is the first occurrence of Cl-scapolite found in a martian meteorite. Using terrestrial metamorphic experiments and modeling we constrain its origin. Cl-rich... more

ABSTRACT We report scapolite in a melt inclusion in olivine in Nakhla, which is the first occurrence of Cl-scapolite found in a martian meteorite. Using terrestrial metamorphic experiments and modeling we constrain its origin. Cl-rich scapolite in Nakhla is consistent with formation from either a late stage Cl-rich, water-poor magma or magmatic Cl-rich hydrothermal brine at a minimum temperature of 700 °C. The temperature of hydrothermal activity recorded by the Cl-scapolite is significantly higher than the temperatures recorded by alteration minerals in Nakhla, and the fluid was Cl-rich, not CO2-rich. Our results demonstrate that high-temperature Cl-rich fluids were present within the martian crust, and any potential biologic activity would have to survive in these high temperatures and saline fluids. Halophiles can thrive in NaCl-rich systems but at significantly lower temperatures than those recorded by the scapolite. During cooling of the fluid, the system could have reached a habitable state for halophiles. Importantly, halophiles can survive the conditions of space if they are encased in salt crystals, and therefore chlorine-rich phases present an opportunity to investigate for extant life both on the surface of Mars and in martian meteorites.

Mars apparaît souvent comme un pur réceptacle, un signifiant vide qui vaudrait pour toute planète source de vie extraterrestre, origine d'envahisseurs ou théâtre d'intrigues de space opera. Pour qu'un signifié colle à ce signifiant en... more

Mars apparaît souvent comme un pur réceptacle, un signifiant vide qui vaudrait pour toute planète source de vie extraterrestre, origine d'envahisseurs ou théâtre d'intrigues de space opera. Pour qu'un signifié colle à ce signifiant en respectant sa spécificité, il doit tirer profit de certains traits saillants fondés sur la matérialité de Mars. Deux grandes propriétés semblent incontournables : la proximité avec la Terre, et la couleur rouge caractéristique de cet astre. À celles-ci s'ajoute une spéculation, la question de son habitabilité, passé, présente ou future. Si Mars est habitée, sa proximité implique la possibilité d'une invasion des Martiens. De plus, sa couleur rouge sang la prédestine à la guerre. D'autre part, sa proximité peut aussi impliquer sa conquête par les Terriens, qu'elle soit habitée ou non. Quoi qu'il en soit, ces traits sont si connus qu'ils se sont banalisés et n'apparaissent plus eux-mêmes que comme des clichés, qu'il faut réactiver en leur donnant un nouveau sens, repris au second degré, parodiés ou mis en abyme. Diverses fictions recourent ainsi à la métafiction ou à la transfictionnalité pour redonner de la profondeur à la sémiologie martienne, et renouveler la fiction dédiée à cette planète.

As interest in the exploration of Mars intensifies and advancements in technology increase the viability of just such a mission, one of the very first problems facing explorers, and eventually settlers, is adequate shelter. An extremely... more

As interest in the exploration of Mars intensifies and advancements in technology increase the viability of just such a mission, one of the very first problems facing explorers, and eventually settlers, is adequate shelter. An extremely promising candidate material for the building of these structures is concrete made using Martian soil as the aggregate and Sulphur as the cement. This Martian Concrete is strong, and would be more durable in Mars' weaker gravity, more reusable than regular concrete, and significantly dense 1 , enough to provide a measure of protection from the radiation found on Mars' surface, which is moderately more pervasive than the radiation on Earth's surface. Building these structures by hand would be inefficient and costly, taking time away from other important and urgent activities. The advent and proliferation of 3D printing in Earth based architecture holds many possibilities for application off-world. Since 3D printing technology is advancing and often providing cheaper ways of building many different types of structures of virtually any design. By adapting and redesigning some of the plans and ideas presented for 3D printing structures on the Moon 2 and conceptualizing architecture that would be better suited for the Martian environment, it is possible to build adequate and lasting structures quickly and cheaply using materials found in abundance on the Martian surface. As numerous projects advancements in 3D printing in architecture and construction have demonstrated 3 , 3D printed structures are safe, sound, and easily made. Combining existing technology and Martian Concrete will be the best and most sustainable way to build habitats on Mars.

Recent analyses from the Curiosity rover at Yellowknife Bay (Gale crater, Mars) show sedimentary rocks deposited in a lacustrine environment and containing smectite clays thought to derive from the alteration of olivine. However, little... more

Recent analyses from the Curiosity rover at Yellowknife Bay (Gale crater, Mars) show sedimentary rocks deposited in a lacustrine environment and containing smectite clays thought to derive from the alteration of olivine. However, little is known about the weathering processes of olivine under early martian conditions, and about the stability of smectite clays in particular. Here, we present a 3-month experiment investigating the weathering of forsteritic olivine powders (Fo90) under a dense CO2 atmosphere, and under present-day terrestrial conditions for comparison. The experiment also evaluates the potential effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as a representation of the highly oxidizing compounds produced by photochemical reactions throughout martian history. The weathered samples were characterized by means of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (TEM-EDX), Mössbauer spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The results show that a Mg-rich smectite phase formed from the weathering of olivine under CO2 conditions, although in lower abundance than under terrestrial conditions. The main secondary phase formed under CO2 turns out to be a silica-rich phase (possibly acting as a “passivating” layer) with a non-diagnostic near-infrared spectral signature. The use of H2O2 highlights the critical importance of both the redox conditions and Fe content of the initial olivine on the nature of the secondary phases.

A B S T R A C T The idea of the manned mission to Mars and Mars colonising is getting more reliable and realistic. However, it is not clear if one country could realize such great economic, societal, and technological challenge. Here we... more

A B S T R A C T The idea of the manned mission to Mars and Mars colonising is getting more reliable and realistic. However, it is not clear if one country could realize such great economic, societal, and technological challenge. Here we show what are possible chances and obstacles for the international collaboration in the future space policy that is focused on launching the manned mission to Mars. We discuss some peculiarities appropriate for peaceful and conflict scenarios of the planned colonisation of Mars.

An extreme position I label Mariomania seems to be taking hold within the astrobiology community. Mariomania holds that, if there is life on Mars, even if it is merely microbial, we must “leave Mars to the Martians.” This paper offers... more

An extreme position I label Mariomania seems to be taking hold within the astrobiology community. Mariomania holds that, if there is life on Mars, even if it is merely microbial, we must “leave Mars to the Martians.” This paper offers an extended critique of this position, pointing out a number of problems. Mariomania seems to appeal to a very strong conception of intrinsic value. From a theoretical perspective, there is no clear justification for such an ascription. Even if there were, doing so presents major practical difficulties since ethical rules based on such values tend to be inviolate in character. Attempts to apply the Mariomaniac ideals will thus encounter the same sorts of difficulties which plague the Prime Directive of Star Trek. These sorts of concerns no doubt account in part for the unpopularity of Mariomaniacal ideas as revealed in a poll of both lay and professional ethical audiences. Finally, I sketch the outline of an alternative argument that stresses the moral importance of opportunity costs humanity would incur by foregoing exploitation of Mars. While these issues are far more complex than the Mariomania declarations imply, there are nevertheless good moral reasons for human interests to be given pride of place when they unavoidably conflict with those of Martian microbes.

The purpose of this study is to (1) demonstrate the viability of detecting terrestrial caves at thermal-infrared wavelengths, (2) improve our understanding of terrestrial cavethermal behavior, (3) identify times of day when cave openings... more

The purpose of this study is to (1) demonstrate the viability of detecting terrestrial caves at thermal-infrared wavelengths, (2) improve our understanding of terrestrial cavethermal behavior, (3) identify times of day when cave openings have the maximum thermal contrast with the surrounding surface regolith, and (4) further our understanding of how to detect caves on Earth, the Moon and Mars. We monitored the thermal behavior of two caves in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Through this work, we identified times when temperature contrasts between entrance and surface were greatest, thus enabling us to suggest optimal overflight times. The largest thermal contrast for both caves occurred during mid-day. One cave demonstrated thermal behavior at the entrance suggestive of cold-trapping, while the second cave demonstrated temperature shifts suggestive of airflow. We also collected thermograms without knowing optimal detection times; these images suggest both caves may also be detectable during off-peak times. We suggest cavedetection using thermal remote sensing on Earth and other planetary objects will be limited by (1) capturing imagery in the appropriate thermal wavelength, (2) the size of cave entrance vs. the sensor's spatial resolution, (3) the viewing angle of the platform in relation to the slope trajectory of the cave entrance, (4) the strength of the thermal signal associated with the cave entrance, and (5) the time of day and season of thermal image capture. Through this and other studies, we will begin to identify the range of conditions under which caves are detectable in the thermal infrared and thus improve our detection capabilities of these features on Earth, the Moon and Mars.

ll libro ripercorre la storia di Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli, l'insigne astronomo italiano, indagando, attraverso i testi di più autori, le diverse fasi della sua attività umana ed esplorativa: dalla fanciullezza e gioventù... more

ll libro ripercorre la storia di Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli, l'insigne astronomo italiano, indagando, attraverso i testi di più autori, le diverse fasi della sua attività umana ed esplorativa: dalla fanciullezza e gioventù saviglianese alla prolungata direzione dell'Osservatorio di Brera, attraverso le scoperte compiute durante le opposizioni di Marte ed i numerosi suoi lavori scientifici pubblicati in tutto ilo mondo (qui ordinati per la prima volta in modo sistematico)

Due to the recently growing interest regarding the future colonization of Mars, an increasing number of plans have appeared in the last few years to fulfil the need for a safe habitat for the first Martian colonists. Numerous fanciful... more

Due to the recently growing interest regarding the future colonization of Mars, an increasing number of plans have appeared in the last few years to fulfil the need for a safe habitat for the first Martian colonists. Numerous fanciful design ideas have been presented at competitions held by NASA and other space research organizations. However, our thorough investigation reveals that most designs suffer from shortcomings, and are either difficult to realize or do not meet the safety requirements of the Martian missions, for example, shielding against radiation or impacting particles, protection against decompression and freezing temperatures. After analysing the problems of safety and feasibility, we tried to design a habitat that is realizable-taking into account the cargo capacity of the spacecraft of the near future and the use of materials locally available on Mars. A further requirement for our design was that the pioneers' habitat should not be a tiny, prison-like lair, but a spacious, liveable and safe living area, which is suitable for continuous habitation. The frame of our design is an inflatable structure, which is supplied with the proper shielding and insulation by locally available materials. The special ventilation system and the large greenhouses of this habitat provide the colonists with food, oxygen and liveable space-and perhaps even rocket propellant materials.

Ian Stoner (2017) has recently argued that we ought not colonize Mars because (i) doing so would flout our pro tanto obligation to not violate the Principle of Scientific Conservation, and (ii) there is no countervailing considerations... more

Ian Stoner (2017) has recently argued that we ought not colonize Mars because (i) doing so would flout our pro tanto obligation to not violate the Principle of Scientific Conservation, and (ii) there is no countervailing considerations that render our violation of the principle permissible. Here I remain agnostic on (i). Instead, my primary goal is to challenge (ii): there are countervailing considerations that render our violation of the principle permissible. As such, Stoner has failed to establish that we ought not colonize Mars. I close with some thoughts on what it would take to show that we do have an obligation to colonize Mars, and related issues concerning the relationship between the way we discount our preferences over time and projects with long time-horizons like space colonization.

As we tend to all apprehend that our planet earth is in solar system that is at intervals a galaxy referred to as " Milky Way ". Our solar system includes sun and its eight planets that are believed to own been developed as result of... more

As we tend to all apprehend that our planet earth is in solar system that is at intervals a galaxy referred to as " Milky Way ". Our solar system includes sun and its eight planets that are believed to own been developed as result of condensation of gases and Mars seems ruby red from earth as result of presence of iron oxides. Its skinny atmosphere comprise of nitrogen and argon. Mars movement among and seasonal cycles among are likewise almost like those of the planet. Of all the planets in our solar system, mars are possibly apart from earth to harbour liquid water. Radius of mars is 0.53 times of earth .its rotation time is 24.6 hours and revolution period is 687 days. A significant step in space exploration throughout the twenty first century is human settlement on mars. While thinking about human settlement on mars question arises in mind which construction material will be good and economical, Rather than transporting all the construction material from earth to the mars with improbably high price exploitation. So in this paper we have explained various construction materials and have compare their effect on earth and mars and also have tried also tried to explain which of them will show good effect with Martian soil and surface. Thus reviewing all the construction materials we have tried to conclude and explain which material will be good on mars and why it will be so.

This paper describes steps to be taken for terraforming planet Mars using today’s level of technology and knowledge. Terraforming as a process of creating an Earth-like or habitable environment is unique in sense that it has never done... more

This paper describes steps to be taken for terraforming planet Mars using today’s level of technology and knowledge. Terraforming as a process of creating an Earth-like or habitable environment is unique in sense that it has never done before. Detailed description and calculation of solar wind collection as a source of hydrogen has been laid out in the paper. Supply of big quantities of hydrogen using magnetic and electric lenses positioned on first Lagrange point between Sun and Mars has been described. Estimation of necessary investments based on commercial exploitation of solar wind and extraction of Helium-3 and other materials for commercial use has been estimated. Estimation of impact of hydrogen interaction with carbon dioxide creating water, methane and their impact as green-house gases will increase Mars’s average temperature. Interactions of hydrogen atoms with oxides in Martian soil will release water molecules in atmosphere. Effects of released energy and overall increase of temperature will melt undersoil frozen reserves of water and carbon dioxide. Mining of Martian minerals and their exploitation will enable building of future permanent human settlements on Mars.

Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colonized Mars. One source of Martian life, is Earth. A variety of species remain viable after long term exposure to the radiation intense... more

Evidence is reviewed which supports the hypothesis that prokaryotes and eukaryotes may have colonized Mars. One source of Martian life, is Earth. A variety of species remain viable after long term exposure to the radiation intense environment of space, and may survive ejection from Earth following meteor strikes, ejection from the stratosphere and mesosphere via solar winds, and sterilization of Mars-bound spacecraft; whereas simulations studies have shown that prokaryotes, fungi and lichens survive in simulated Martian environments-findings which support the hypothesis life may have been repeatedly transferred from Earth to Mars. Four independent investigators have reported what appears to be fungi and lichens on the Martian surface, whereas a fifth investigator reported what may be cyanobacteria. In another study, a statistically significant majority of 70 experts, after examining Martian specimens photographed by NASA, identified and agreed fungi, basidiomycota ("puffballs"), and lichens may have colonized Mars. Fifteen specimens resembling and identified as "puffballs" were photographed emerging from the ground over a three day period. It is possible these latter specimens are hematite and what appears to be "growth" is due to a strong wind which uncovered these specimens-an explanation which cannot account for before and after photos of what appears to be masses of fungi growing atop and within the Mars rovers. Terrestrial hematite is in part fashioned and cemented together by prokaryotes and fungi, and thus Martian hematite may also be evidence of biology. Three independent research teams have identified sediments on Mars resembling stromatolites and outcroppings having micro meso and macro characteristics typical of terrestrial microbialites constructed by cyanobacteria. Quantitative morphological analysis determined these latter specimens are statistically and physically similar to terrestrial stromatolites. Reports of water, biological residue discovered in Martian meteor ALH84001, the seasonal waning and waxing of atmospheric and ground level Martian methane which on Earth is 90% due to biology and plant growth and decay, and results from the 1976 Mars Viking Labeled Release Experiments indicating biological activity, also support the hypothesis that Mars was, and is, a living planet. Nevertheless, much of the evidence remains circumstantial and unverified, and the possibility of life on Mars remains an open question.

The exploitation of geothermal energy has been absent from previous considerations for providing power for settlements on Mars. The reason for this is the prevailing paradigm that places all of Mars' volcanic activity in the remoter past... more

The exploitation of geothermal energy has been absent from previous considerations for providing power for settlements on Mars. The reason for this is the prevailing paradigm that places all of Mars' volcanic activity in the remoter past and hence postulates a crust that is frozen to great depths. It is argued in this paper that this view may be true in general, but false in particular. Geological evidence is reviewed that suggests that magmatism may have been active on Mars until recent times and hence may still be ongoing. Thus the presence of significant, localized, hyperthermal areas cannot be ruled out on the basis of the low mean heat flows predicted by global heat flow models. The possibility of the presence of useful geothermal fields is further strengthened by observations of fluvial outflows that seem to have been associated with certain magmatic extrusions and which therefore hint at favourable groundwater conditions. Such a geothermal energy source would be of great potential economic value, being of use for the generation of electricity and direct heating for industry and habitation. The addition of this energy option to those of solar, wind and nuclear, cannot but enhance the prospects of a Martian civilization that must start afresh, without an equivalent to Earth's stock of fossil fuels.

A scenario for an initial manned mission to Mars involves transits through the Van Allen Radiation Belts, a 30 day 'short surface stay' and a 400 day Cruise Phase (to/from the planet). The contribution to the total dose incurred through... more

A scenario for an initial manned mission to Mars involves transits through the Van Allen Radiation Belts, a 30 day 'short surface stay' and a 400 day Cruise Phase (to/from the planet). The contribution to the total dose incurred through transiting the belts is relatively small and manageable. Estimates of the particle radiation hazard incurred during a 30 day stay on the surface (using ESA's Mars Energetic Radiation Environment Models dMEREM and e MEREM) indicate that the dose is not expected to be particularly challenging health-wise due to the shielding effect provided by the Martian atmosphere and the body of the planet. This is in accord with estimations obtained using the Langley HZETRN code. Estimates of GCR exposure in free space during the minimum phase of Solar Cycle 23 determined using the CREME2009 model are in reasonable agreement with published results obtained using HZETRN (which they exceed by about 10%). The Cruise Phase poses a significant radiation problem due to the cumulative effects of isotropic Galactic Cosmic Radiation over 400 days. The occurrence during this period of a large Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) event, especially if it has a hard energy spectrum, could be catastrophic health wise to the crew. Such particle events are rare but they are not currently predictable. An overview of mitigating strategies currently under development to meet the radiation challenge is provided and it is shown that the health problem posed by energetic particle radiation is presently unresolved.

Elon Musk has sought to position his private aerospace company, SpaceX, as the future of space exploration, even as the feasibility of its initiatives remains to be seen. Although the level of support for public space programs has been... more

Elon Musk has sought to position his private aerospace company, SpaceX, as the future of space exploration, even as the feasibility of its initiatives remains to be seen. Although the level of support for public space programs has been well established by previous research, we know less about how people perceive private space travel initiatives, particularly those—like the SpaceX Mars colonization proposal—that involve civilian participation. Today&#39;s young people are the first generation who may find themselves or their children deciding whether to leave Earth for another planet. In this study, we compare the case Musk is making for the SpaceX colonization plan to young adults&#39; perceptions of that plan, using data gathered from 81 college students who participated in interviews and focus groups on this topic. We argue that the rhetoric of private space initiatives has the potential to create new visions of our spacefaring future, but also new points of resistance for the civilians needed to support these initiatives. Our analysis revealed doubts regarding feasibility, concerns related to cost, and an individualized sense of risk that outweighed more generalized benefits. We conclude with implications for those seeking public support for private space initiatives, as well as plans for tracking public sentiment regarding private space travel as it changes over time.

The aim of this article is to give a brief review of the history and current status of research experiments with cyanobacteria, algae, and lichens concerning their adaptation in space or their potential use for the needs of astronauts.... more

The aim of this article is to give a brief review of the history and current status of research experiments with cyanobacteria, algae, and lichens concerning their adaptation in space or their potential use for the needs of astronauts. The future of algological space research is also being discussed with regard to creating self-sustainable stations and terraformation of Mars.

The paper describes an upper-division university course in Mars literature taught online since Fall 2013. The course readings comprise six novels relating to Mars. Authors include H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, Phillip... more

The paper describes an upper-division university course in Mars literature taught online since Fall 2013. The course readings comprise six novels relating to Mars. Authors include H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, Phillip K. Dick, Greg Bear, and Kim Stanley Robinson. After an introduction, sections of the paper discuss course organization and syllabus, Americanist conceptual approaches, anti-colonialism, habitat sustainability, and pedagogical possibilities for future discussion of Mars literature. The paper argues for a fiction-based approach to understanding historical and potential future relationships with Mars and Mars science.

ABSTRACT What about running on Mars? Dynamical response to unweighting of the running pattern 1.Grabowski et al. 2010. Metabolic and biomechanical effects of velocity and weight support using a lower-body positive pressure device during... more

ABSTRACT What about running on Mars? Dynamical response to unweighting of the running pattern 1.Grabowski et al. 2010. Metabolic and biomechanical effects of velocity and weight support using a lower-body positive pressure device during walking. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 91: 951-957. 2.Minetti et al. 2012 The energetics and mechanics of level and gradient skipping: preliminary results for a potential gait of choice in low gravity environments. Planet Space Sci 74: 142–145 3.Ivanenko et al. 2002 Control of foot trajectory in human locomotion: role of ground Contact forces in simulated reduced gravity. J Neurophysiol 87: 3070-3089. 4.Donelan et al. 1997 The effect of reduced gravity on the kinematics of human walking: a test of the dynamic similarity hypothesis for locomotion. J of Experimental Biology 200 : 3193–3201 As loading plays a key role in shaping locomotor output, unweighting treadmills are used in rehabilitation to restore as soon as possible gait patterns [1]. Human steps on the Moon have revealed spontaneous adoption of an alterna-tive skipping pattern [2] instead of the expected walking and running ones. Studies on experimentally unweighting conditions have mostly examined the walking pattern and shown reduced normal ground reaction force (Fz) [3] and a major increase of the contact time [4].