Thoughts on Packing for Mars

Nov 03, 2010 09:21

So, I said I was going to talk about Mary Roach's book Packing for Mars
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colonies, politics, reviews, space

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jordan179 November 3 2010, 15:31:17 UTC
One idea I've seen that could alleviate the zero-gravity problems on the voyage itself is the rotating tether design. This lets one generate centrifugal-force pseudo-gravity while minimizing the inner-ear problems, and do so with a reasonably small spaceship rather than a flying O'Neill cylinder. There are obvious problems with the idea, of course -- extending the tether and then spinning the ship takes time, and you can't really maneuver while you're spinning -- but sufficiently competent execution of the original course burns reduces the disadvantages.

The main problems with long-duration spaceflight (or hab operation) all relate to the buildup of what would normally be trace gases or organisms in the life support system. You need a well-designed life support system and a competent operator. Surprisingly few opponents of manned space travel realize this: they focus on the visceral fears of suffocation and thirst, even though the air and water supplies are actually the easiest part of any such system to monitor, or restock from ( ... )

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chris_gerrib November 3 2010, 15:57:50 UTC
Yeah, I'm familiar with the rotating tether design. Zubrin suggests it in his "Mars Express" plan.

Regarding trace organisms, I read a novel about the first Mars trip (drawing a blank on author and title) in which a ship was lost due to mold growth.

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daveon November 3 2010, 16:50:59 UTC
I'll be honest that purely from an engineering perspective the Zubrin design gave me the screaming heeby jeebies.

I think he even admits in The Case for Mars that it might be something to try and give up on. Rolling out tethers in space isn't something we've had a lot of success with yet and the failure modes are moderately entertaining, to say the least.

I suspect that exercise, improved drugs and perhaps some iternal centrifuge are the more likely solutions short/medium term.

Stephen Baxter's excellent Voyage dealt with the physical impact on a space vehicle in use over that period of time with some cracking throw away lines about the toilets...

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chris_gerrib November 3 2010, 17:54:07 UTC
Zubrin is a tad "optimistic" for me - especially if it's my butt on his rocket...

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Packing for Mars anonymous November 3 2010, 17:28:05 UTC
I'll have to put Packing For Mars on my Christmas list. It sounds like it would be a good reference.

\_/
DED

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j_cheney November 3 2010, 18:23:58 UTC
I have that book on order, so I'm glad to know it's OK. (Recently read BONK, which was interesting, if not great)

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