Article

2006-10-10 Science & Technology

NASA'S Mars Rover and Orbiter Team Examines Victoria Crater

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Posted by ed 2006-10-10 09:21|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I've said this before and I'll say it again. We explore the universe and Islam explores the 7th Century

Posted by Cheaderhead 2006-10-10 11:39|| 2006-10-10 11:39|| Front Page Top

#2 These two rovers are a marvelous example of why we should send robots to Mars to prep the place for astronauts.

As long as they have a small nuclear reactor to keep giving them power, they can slowly and methodically keep working, saving vast amounts of time, money and labor. They don't even stop when the people arrive. They don't have to get to Mars quickly, either, they can be sent on an ion drive spaceship.

Their #1 task will be hard-rock mining, digging tunnels for human habitation. The spaceship that brought them there can be completely cannibalized for reinforcing rods that stabilize rock, pressure doors at cave entrances, some hard floors and walls. Literally designed to be completely used, with spare parts for the robots built into the ship.

They can also take with them things like mining explosives, pressure sealant against microfractures, and much thicker and stronger sealant to be used for lining water cisterns.

Once they have dug more than enough tunnel, they can be used to mine water ice.

By doing all of this, they radically increase the length of the human missions. They can bring food instead of equipment, water and oxygen.

Posted by Anonymoose 2006-10-10 17:18|| 2006-10-10 17:18|| Front Page Top

#3 Supremely cool!

Posted by Mike 2006-10-10 18:21|| 2006-10-10 18:21|| Front Page Top

#4 We build something to last five years, and it lasts 20 (Mars rovers, Pioneer, etc.). Europe builds something to last ten years, and it never gets off the ground (A380) or is incapable of meeting mission requirements (Carrier DeGaulle). Yet we're always pointed to as the "cowboy" or "spoiled children". Free markets, a balanced economy, and reward for achievement once more beat socialistic dream worlds.

Posted by Old Patriot">Old Patriot 2006-10-10 19:09|| http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com/]">[http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com/] 2006-10-10 19:09|| Front Page Top

#5 That is well put, OP.

Posted by Matt 2006-10-10 21:25|| 2006-10-10 21:25|| Front Page Top

#6 What odds that robots on Mars would have a "body by Caterpillar, brain by Roomba" logo on them?

Posted by Anonymoose 2006-10-10 22:04|| 2006-10-10 22:04|| Front Page Top

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