Next Stop Mars: The Why, How, and When of Human Missions [Paperback]

This book covers the possible manned mission to Mars first discussed in the 1950s and still a topic of much debate, addressing historic and future plans to visit the Red Planet. Considering the environmental dangers and the engineering and design needed for a successful trip, it covers every aspect of a possible mission and outpost. The chapters explain the motivations behind the plan to go to Mars, as well as the physical factors that astronauts on manned missions will face on Mars and in transit. The author provides a comprehensive exposure to the infrastructure needs on Mars itself, covering an array of facilities including power sources, as well as addressing earth-based communication networks that will be necessary. Mechanisms for return to Earth are also addressed.

Preface.- 1: Half a century of projects.- 2: Reasons for human Mars Exploration.- 3: Mars and its satellites.- 4: Space environment and radiations.- 5: Human aspects.- 6: Interplanetary journey to Mars.- 7: Mission design.- 8: The outpost on Mars.- 9: Mobility on Mars.- 10: The ground segment.- 11: Timeframe and roadmap.- 12: A look to a more distant future.- 13: Example missions.- 14: Conclusions.- References.- Appendices.