Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to re: Money quote

Yes Let's Call An Ocean Liner a Canoe
Mark Eby — (archived)

Current Mars missions are far from flags and footprints. Hand waiving this misnomer around is the surest sign of Moon blindness. The Apollo missions were called flags and footprints because we did little more than plant flags. A year and a half on Mars will be a real science mission not flags and footprints. In addition it will require a real space durable living quarters. A habitat capable of suporting a crew for a year and a half has little if no gap from a permanant facility. It should also have multiple use applications for the Moon and NEO's.

Testing such a facility on the Moon is not necessary, but it could build confidence and serve as a usefull platform for doing worthwhile Lunar research. Lunar and Martian exploration can dovetail to this extent. Putting a focus on Mars takes advantage of greater public interest and avoids the pitfall of having to redo the design work because only milder Lunar constraints were taken into account. Lunar ISRU however is not likely to be of much use except for Lunar or LEO industry. It is putting the cart before the horse to focus on Lunar ISRU since no such industry exists. CATS would be a better investment to spur commercialization of space.

Regards,
Mark

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