Space/Science — HabitableZone

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Re: Specifics Please
Don — (archived)

Perhaps the most important technologies still needing development, testing and experience, are those associated with providing sufficient food, water and return fuel. Our current technologies, while fully capable of doing these things are not sufficiently efficient, nor reliable enough to take us to Mars and back safely.

And while effective shielding may help protect one from energetic solar particles, little can be done to completely protect you from increased exposure to cosmic rays. Even when well-shielded, a week in space will shorten your life expectancy by about a day.

I think you are right, that we know what's needed for a successful mission to Mars. What we don't know yet is how exactly to do what's needed. There's a lot to be learned about how best to live in space and inhospitable environments for long periods of time with both ISS and a lunar program. The technology and knowledge learned from these programs will make us better able to achieve substantially more challenging goals, such as visiting Mars or beyond.

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