Planning for Risksscientists consider these challenges big, but not insurmountable. One way to reduce the risks is to understand them more precisely; unmanned spacecraft can be a powerful tool for filling in gaps in knowledge. Phoenix will land on
Planning for Risksscientists consider these challenges big, but not insurmountable. One way to reduce the risks is to understand them more precisely; unmanned spacecraft can be a powerful tool for filling in gaps in knowledge. Phoenix will land on the northern pole of Mars in 2008, and dig for conclusive evidence of water ice. The following year, the Mars Science Laboratorya rover twice as long and three times as heavy as the current rovers, Spirit and Opportunitywill examine Martian rocks and soils in greater detail than ever before. It will also test NASA's capability to land a large, heavy payload on the planet's surface.
Another way to scale down the risks inherent in a Mars mission is to spend considerable time selecting and preparing the best possible crew. Ideal astronauts for long-haul missions may be slightly older, with a stable mental health record, and introverted enough to perform well without a lot of social interaction. They should also be mellow enough to adapt to shifting goals, contingencies and changes of plan.
Mars astronauts need to be in excellent physical shape as wellbut even the healthiest crew member can 