Exploring Mars

Exploring Mars PDF Author: Scott Hubbard
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
ISBN: 0816528969
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
The Red Planet has been a subject of fascination for humanity for thousands of years, becoming part of our folklore and popular culture. The most Earthlike of the planets in our solar system, Mars may have harbored some form of life in the past and may still possess an ecosystem in some underground refuge. The mysteries of this fourth planet from our Sun make it of central importance to NASA and its science goals for the twenty-first century.ÊÊ In the wake of the very public failures of the Mars Polar Lander and the Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, NASA embarked on a complete reassessment of the Mars Program. Scott Hubbard was asked to lead this restructuring in 2000, becoming known as the "Mars Czar." His team's efforts resulted in a very successful decade-long series of missions--each building on the accomplishments of those before it--that adhered to the science adage "follow the water" when debating how to proceed. Hubbard's work created the Mars Odyssey mission, the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Phoenix mission, and most recently the planned launch of the Mars Science Laboratory.Ê Now for the first time Scott Hubbard tells the complete story of how he fashioned this program, describing both the technical and political forces involved and bringing to life the national and international cast of characters engaged in this monumental endeavor.Ê Blending the exciting stories of the missions with the thrills of scientific discovery, Exploring Mars will intrigue anyone interested in the science, the engineering, or the policy of investigating other worlds. Ê

Exploring Mars

Exploring Mars PDF Author: Scott Hubbard
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
ISBN: 0816528969
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Get Book

Book Description
The Red Planet has been a subject of fascination for humanity for thousands of years, becoming part of our folklore and popular culture. The most Earthlike of the planets in our solar system, Mars may have harbored some form of life in the past and may still possess an ecosystem in some underground refuge. The mysteries of this fourth planet from our Sun make it of central importance to NASA and its science goals for the twenty-first century.ÊÊ In the wake of the very public failures of the Mars Polar Lander and the Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, NASA embarked on a complete reassessment of the Mars Program. Scott Hubbard was asked to lead this restructuring in 2000, becoming known as the "Mars Czar." His team's efforts resulted in a very successful decade-long series of missions--each building on the accomplishments of those before it--that adhered to the science adage "follow the water" when debating how to proceed. Hubbard's work created the Mars Odyssey mission, the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Phoenix mission, and most recently the planned launch of the Mars Science Laboratory.Ê Now for the first time Scott Hubbard tells the complete story of how he fashioned this program, describing both the technical and political forces involved and bringing to life the national and international cast of characters engaged in this monumental endeavor.Ê Blending the exciting stories of the missions with the thrills of scientific discovery, Exploring Mars will intrigue anyone interested in the science, the engineering, or the policy of investigating other worlds. Ê

Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration

Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration PDF Author: Karen Latchana Kenney
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781541551695
Category : Mars (Planet)
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
"This high-interest book introduces readers to recent breakthroughs and fascinating up-to-date information about exploration and discoveries on Mars."--

Working on Mars

Working on Mars PDF Author: William J. Clancey
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 026201775X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
Beginning in 2004, a team of geologists and other planetary scientists did field science in a dark room in Pasadena, exploring Mars from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) by means of the remotely operated Mars Exploration Rovers (MER). Clustered around monitors, living on Mars time, painstakingly plotting each movement of the rovers and their tools, sensors, and cameras, these scientists reported that they felt as if they were on Mars themselves, doing field science. The MER created a virtual experience of being on Mars. This book examines how the MER has changed the nature of planetary field science. NASA cast the rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, as "robotic geologists," and ascribed machine initiative to remotely controlled actions. Clancey argues that the actual explorers were not the rovers but the scientists, who imaginatively projected themselves into the body of the machine to conduct the first overland expedition of another planet. The author investigates how the design of the rover mission enables field science on Mars, explaining how the scientists and rover engineers manipulate the vehicle and why the programmable tools and analytic instruments work so well for them.

Missions to Mars

Missions to Mars PDF Author: Larry S. Crumpler
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0063047373
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 652

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Book Description
From a long-term planning lead for the Mars Exploration Rover Project comes this vivid insider account of some of NASA’s most vital and exciting missions to the Red Planet, illustrated with full-color photographs—a wondrous chronicle of unprecedented scientific discovery and the search for evidence of life on Mars. “There are probably just a few of moments in human history when a small group of humans stood on the margins of a vast new world, and it is no stretch of the romantic imagination that the arrival of two rovers on the surface of another planet was surely one of them.” Human exploration of Mars is the most ambitious and exciting scientific goal of the twenty-first century. Few people know as much about this fascinating planet as Dr. Larry Crumpler. As one of the long-term planning leads for the Mars Exploration Rover Project, he helped control the daily communications between NASA and the rovers roaming the planet to gather scientific data. Thanks to the Rover Project, we now know that the dry, red dust of the planet’s surface hides a wet, possibly living history, and that conditions were present for the evolution of complex, organic life. In this magnificent compendium, Dr. Crumpler recounts the history of the Red Planet, from the earliest days when ancient astronomers turned their eyes to the heavens to the breakthrough discoveries being unearthed by modern technology today, including some of the first images from the latest rover, Perseverance. Paired with stunning, full-color photographs taken by rovers and NASA satellites images, this magnificent “biography” of the red planet allows us to understand and experience it as never before. When the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers landed on Mars in January 2004, scientists expected them to function for 90 days. But those three months turned into fifteen years. With data gathered by the rovers, Dr. Crumpler and his fellow team members were able to reconstruct the planet’s stunning geological past, when it was once inundated with water, and perhaps could have supported microbial life. Dr Crumpler also reveals the joys and demands of life as a scientist taking part in these historic missions. Exploring fundamental questions about this remarkable planet that have intrigued us earthlings for years, Missions to Mars illuminates Mars’ significance in the solar system—and the human imagination.

Exploring Mars

Exploring Mars PDF Author: David R Ely
Publisher: David R Ely
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 108

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Book Description
Introduction: The book "Exploring Mars: The Red Planet Revealed" welcomes readers to the enigmatic world of Mars, a planet that has captivated human imagination for centuries. It emphasizes the importance of Mars exploration and provides an overview of the topics covered in the book. Chapter 1: The Geology of Mars: This chapter delves into the geological history of Mars, covering its formation and evolution. It explores surface features such as volcanoes, valleys, and impact craters, comparing geological similarities and differences with Earth. Recent discoveries in Martian geology are highlighted, providing insights into the planet's past. Chapter 2: The Atmosphere of Mars: The atmospheric conditions of Mars are examined in detail, including its composition, structure, and climate patterns. Atmospheric phenomena such as dust storms and clouds are discussed, along with the challenges posed by the thin atmosphere for human exploration. Chapter 3: Potential for Life on Mars: This chapter explores the historical perspectives on Martian life and examines the factors influencing habitability, such as water, temperature, and radiation. The search for extremophiles and current/future missions focusing on astrobiology are also addressed. Chapter 4: Exploration History: A historical overview of Mars exploration is provided, from early observations to recent robotic missions like Curiosity and Perseverance. The contributions of international space agencies and private companies to Martian exploration are discussed. Chapter 5: Future Missions and Human Colonization: The chapter outlines plans for future human missions to Mars, addressing the challenges of long-duration space travel and living on the planet. Proposals for Martian habitats, life support systems, and the concept of terraforming are explored. Chapter 6: Technological Advancements and Innovations: Technological breakthroughs in Martian exploration are examined, including advancements in rovers, landers, and orbiters. Emerging technologies and the role of AI and robotics in Mars exploration are also discussed. Chapter 7: Economic Opportunities and Resource Utilization: The potential resources on Mars, such as water, minerals, and gases, are explored for their applications in in-situ resource utilization. Economic incentives for private sector involvement in Mars exploration and ethical considerations are addressed. Chapter 8: Cultural Impact and Imagination: This chapter delves into the cultural impact of Mars exploration, including its portrayal in literature, film, and popular culture. The significance of Mars exploration and its role in inspiring future generations of explorers are highlighted. Conclusion: The book concludes by reflecting on the journey of exploring Mars and the ongoing exploration efforts. It looks ahead to the next chapter in Martian exploration and the possibilities it holds for humanity. Addendum: The addendum includes a glossary of terms, a list of organic and inorganic matter found on Mars, as well as additional information on volcanoes, valleys, and craters on the planet. References are provided for further reading and research.

Breakthroughs in Space Travel

Breakthroughs in Space Travel PDF Author: Wil Mara
Publisher: Lerner Publications ™
ISBN: 1541551761
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
Discover exciting changes in space travel. Learn how reusable rockets roar into space and then land gracefully on Earth. Find out how humans stay in space longer than ever and monitor the effects of weightlessness on their bodies. See how people around the world are planning for humanity's greatest mission yet: Mars. Fascinating photos and STEM Focus sidebars flesh out this cutting-edge science adventure.

Preventing the Forward Contamination of Mars

Preventing the Forward Contamination of Mars PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030909724X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 166

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Book Description
Recent spacecraft and robotic probes to Mars have yielded data that are changing our understanding significantly about the possibility of existing or past life on that planet. Coupled with advances in biology and life-detection techniques, these developments place increasing importance on the need to protect Mars from contamination by Earth-borne organisms. To help with this effort, NASA requested that the NRC examine existing planetary protection measures for Mars and recommend changes and further research to improve such measures. This report discusses policies, requirements, and techniques to protect Mars from organisms originating on Earth that could interfere with scientific investigations. It provides recommendations on cleanliness and biological burden levels of Mars-bound spacecraft, methods to reach those levels, and research to reduce uncertainties in preventing forward contamination of Mars.

Mars Exploration

Mars Exploration PDF Author: Giuseppe Pezzella
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1839623624
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
More than 50 years after the Mariner 4 flyby on 15 July 1965, Mars still represents the next frontier of space explorations. Of particular focus nowadays is crewed missions to the red planet. Over three sections, this book explores missions to Mars, in situ operations, and human-rated missions. Chapters address elements of design and possible psychological effects related to human-rated missions. The information contained herein will allow for the development of safe and efficient exploration missions to Mars.

Exploring Mars

Exploring Mars PDF Author: Scott Hubbard
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
ISBN: 0816599696
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
The Red Planet has been a subject of fascination for humanity for thousands of years, becoming part of our folklore and popular culture. The most Earthlike of the planets in our solar system, Mars may have harbored some form of life in the past and may still possess an ecosystem in some underground refuge. The mysteries of this fourth planet from our Sun make it of central importance to NASA and its science goals for the twenty-first century. In the wake of the very public failures of the Mars Polar Lander and the Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, NASA embarked on a complete reassessment of the Mars Program. Scott Hubbard was asked to lead this restructuring in 2000, becoming known as the "Mars Czar." His team's efforts resulted in a very successful decade-long series of missions—each building on the accomplishments of those before it—that adhered to the science adage "follow the water" when debating how to proceed. Hubbard's work created the Mars Odyssey mission, the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Phoenix mission, and most recently the planned launch of the Mars Science Laboratory. Now for the first time Scott Hubbard tells the complete story of how he fashioned this program, describing both the technical and political forces involved and bringing to life the national and international cast of characters engaged in this monumental endeavor. Blending the exciting stories of the missions with the thrills of scientific discovery, Exploring Mars will intrigue anyone interested in the science, the engineering, or the policy of investigating other worlds.

Working on Mars

Working on Mars PDF Author: William J. Clancey
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262304783
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
What it's like to explore Mars from Earth: How the Mars rovers provide scientists with a virtual experience of being on Mars. Geologists in the field climb hills and hang onto craggy outcrops; they put their fingers in sand and scratch, smell, and even taste rocks. Beginning in 2004, however, a team of geologists and other planetary scientists did field science in a dark room in Pasadena, exploring Mars from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) by means of the remotely operated Mars Exploration Rovers (MER). Clustered around monitors, living on Mars time, painstakingly plotting each movement of the rovers and their tools, sensors, and cameras, these scientists reported that they felt as if they were on Mars themselves, doing field science. The MER created a virtual experience of being on Mars. In this book, William Clancey examines how the MER has changed the nature of planetary field science. Drawing on his extensive observations of scientists in the field and at the JPL, Clancey investigates how the design of the rover mission enables field science on Mars, explaining how the scientists and rover engineers manipulate the vehicle and why the programmable tools and analytic instruments work so well for them. He shows how the scientists felt not as if they were issuing commands to a machine but rather as if they were working on the red planet, riding together in the rover on a voyage of discovery. Learn more about the book here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZQSWSZnTYs&feature=youtube_gdata