Would you go on a mission to Mars? What about if it was a one-way mission? And you were by yourself? Yeah, that changes things a bit. Well, that's exactly what former NASA engineer Jim McClane suggests, saying that it's worth considering and removes many of the hurdles keeping us from the red planet now.
Dubbed "Spirit of the Lone Eagle," his plan would eliminate the hardest aspect of any potential Mars mission: the need to launch off of Mars to return to Earth.
Ahem. I'd like to take this opportunity to remind readers that I proposed the same idea back in 2006:
In idle moments I like to imagine ways I might get off the planet in the near-future. So far, none of them are especially probable. One idea that continues to tantalize (despite its fatalistic implications) is convincing NASA to send a one-man "experimental" mission to Mars, ostensibly to study the effects of prolonged microgravity and radiation on human physiology.
The subject? Me, of course.
I'm not asking that much, really. Just a modest capsule with life support and a way of navigating the Martian surface, even if it's just an augmented spacesuit and an inflatable tent. Once on Mars, I could continue sending NASA data on my condition, not to mention carry out geological and exobiological investigations. Given the tools and a minimum of scientific training, I figure my efforts could eclipse those of the current Mars Exploration Rovers within weeks.
Potentially suicidal? Yes.
Fun? You bet!
9 comments:
Imagine that guy is still alive after his oxygen and food supplies ran out and he refuses to reveal how or what keeps him alive there on mars. His last message send to earth states: I'm alive and well and i've found new friends.
Steffen
Shades of Red Moon.
Only with a willing volunteer.
Intriguing indeed!
Someone with a terminal illness would go - why not go out with a bang??
I wouldn't want to risk a space mission costing billions by using a terminally ill astronaut. He might kick off a little earlier than expected. I'm healthy enough though. I'd go in a heartbeat.
Count me in! What a way to go, on another planet. At last, something to exist for...
Honestly, I think this proposal has weight but you do need some redundancy. I say launch two volunteers on separate low cost vessels.
I have little doubt many would be willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good and deeper knowledge that would come from this.
Denny
I nominate Richard Hoagland.
I nominate Richard Hoagland.
No, let's save him for the Pluto mission.
Hard to say. I think my first impulse would be to go poking around for artifacts, though. I'd make a neat pile of them so the next expedition (or rover) couldn't miss them....
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