how soon do u think we will go to mars or dount you think that we will go

[bigedshult]

how soon do u think we will go to mars or don't you think that we will go .I think we could go there and back by the year 2015 if the govment is willing to spend the money too do it.how do u feel about spending it . I thing it is good thing to do.

[dell9031]

2029.

[kapeh12]

It will probably depend on how soon a number of obstacles are resolved, as well as timing of the planet orbits. 

First, there's the question of the vehicle - with current propulsion options, it would be a multi-year journey there and back, so the vehicle used would need to accommodate that duration of time.

Second, supplies - with being so far away, there will have to be a way to produce supplies (water, food...) for the journey.  There has been a lot of research in this so they are probably closest with this solution, but there are still long term and variety issues being worked on.

Third, bone degeneration - it is known that humans in space for long term missions experience bone loss (specifically the calcium in their bones starts to disintegrate/deteriorate), basically osteoperosis.  This is one of the biggest obstacles they are looking for a solution for any long term space mission.  There has been some progress in learning that muscle resistance exercise (with tension bands) helps to slow the degeneration, but it doesn't stop it entirely.  If this isn't solved, there would be no way a crew would survive to Mars and back without having their bones become so brittle they wouldn't survive the pressures of re-entry (or make it back to Earth orbit without breaking limbs by bumping into things on the ship.

Finally - timing - the trip would need to be planned so the trajectory of the mission path and the Mars orbit occur when Mars is at a perigee orbit with Earth - this would ensure the fastest trip there and back.

Although these are a few of the challenges involved with taking a trip to Mars - when the solutions are found, the solution applications to benefit life on Earth would be enormous (especially the solution to osteoperosis - that could aid several people on Earth suffering from the condition if scientists figure out the key to this one alone).

Based on this - how long it will take will depend on funding, and the number of bright individuals that decide to put their mind to helping to solve these and other challenges.  The sooner these are accomplished, the faster we'll get there.

[yaayme]

Um, never.

[lynnc35]

what is the big deal about it, I don't get it. They already know what is up their through the robots ect. I don't think we need to put anyone there. Just think of how that money could be better used.

[thetotalfool]

I'm not sure, but I don't think it will be in the next 20 years.  It's 2010 and they still haven't found a replacement for the shape shuttle.

[bigedshult]

It will probably depend on how soon a number of obstacles are resolved, as well as timing of the planet orbits. 

First, there's the question of the vehicle - with current propulsion options, it would be a multi-year journey there and back, so the vehicle used would need to accommodate that duration of time.

Second, supplies - with being so far away, there will have to be a way to produce supplies (water, food...) for the journey.  There has been a lot of research in this so they are probably closest with this solution, but there are still long term and variety issues being worked on.

Third, bone degeneration - it is known that humans in space for long term missions experience bone loss (specifically the calcium in their bones starts to disintegrate/deteriorate), basically osteoperosis.  This is one of the biggest obstacles they are looking for a solution for any long term space mission.  There has been some progress in learning that muscle resistance exercise (with tension bands) helps to slow the degeneration, but it doesn't stop it entirely.  If this isn't solved, there would be no way a crew would survive to Mars and back without having their bones become so brittle they wouldn't survive the pressures of re-entry (or make it back to Earth orbit without breaking limbs by bumping into things on the ship.

Finally - timing - the trip would need to be planned so the trajectory of the mission path and the Mars orbit occur when Mars is at a perigee orbit with Earth - this would ensure the fastest trip there and back.

Although these are a few of the challenges involved with taking a trip to Mars - when the solutions are found, the solution applications to benefit life on Earth would be enormous (especially the solution to osteoperosis - that could aid several people on Earth suffering from the condition if scientists figure out the key to this one alone).

Based on this - how long it will take will depend on funding, and the number of bright individuals that decide to put their mind to helping to solve these and other challenges.  The sooner these are accomplished, the faster we'll get there.

one way too have food and water is have some place 2 get the food and water a long the way so they don't have 2 take it with then it will be their waiting on them in orbit. as for the bone loss exercise help to fix that .it only trumpery .Once they get back on earth they get back 2 normel.