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[timetokill]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_trilogy

Check these books out. Awesome realistic scifi about the colonization of Mars that, among others, covers your moral question.

Yup, excellent books, some of my favorites.

 

[The Elite]

So what's the plan of attack as far as excavating rocks and usiung that bad ass laser and such? I'm excited for the pictures, but am really excited for the meat and potatoes of the mission. Though I do understand it's going to be a slow process that takes years, I'm just anxious. Has the rover even moved yet? Are they still getting the thing up and running?

EDIT ... just as I pust post I see the above imaged timline.

EDIT 2: Althought it does't have anything about rock analysis.

I too would like to know when they start shooting stuff with lasers.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

the sad thing about these mars shots is...... if man was to go there and begin life. we'd fuck it up

Do people really care about preserving a barren, lifeless wasteland?

 

[andylsun]

So what's the plan of attack as far as excavating rocks and usiung that bad ass laser and such? I'm excited for the pictures, but am really excited for the meat and potatoes of the mission. Though I do understand it's going to be a slow process that takes years, I'm just anxious. Has the rover even moved yet? Are they still getting the thing up and running?

EDIT ... just as I pust post I see the above imaged timline.

EDIT 2: Althought it does't have anything about rock analysis.

I think they have a multi-day software update planned before they starting blasting rocks or tearing around the plains. The Sol 1 press conference had a timeline for the first week or so.

 

[Parch]

Science first. Donuts later.

 

[Trickster]

Do people really care about preserving a barren, lifeless wasteland?

Some people today might feel that way. But The generation that gets born after colonization of mars wont care at all I'd imagine.

 

[GroundCombo]

So what's the plan of attack as far as excavating rocks and usiung that bad ass laser and such? I'm excited for the pictures, but am really excited for the meat and potatoes of the mission. Though I do understand it's going to be a slow process that takes years, I'm just anxious. Has the rover even moved yet? Are they still getting the thing up and running?

EDIT ... just as I pust post I see the above imaged timline.

EDIT 2: Althought it does't have anything about rock analysis.

That timeline describes what the engineers do each night. They get a bunch of requests from the different teams and write a program for the next sol, taking into account a crapton of constraints and things that could go wrong (power management, movement etc.). Then they upload it to the rover so that it can execute the tasks during the day.

So far they've been powering up the various instruments, running diagnostics and calibrating stuff. They are also going to delete the landing software to make room for a more surface-optimized software package. (Yeah, they're flashing the firmware. ON MARS.) Everything seems to work great so far and they should be up and running within a few sols IIRC, so the Real Science will probably start next week.

The imaging dude said that they're going to download full-color HD versions of some photos from the panorama tomorrow. Can't wait.

 

[ced]

They are also going to delete the landing software to make room for a more surface-optimized software package. (Yeah, they're flashing the firmware. ON MARS.)

Oh god, the 7 seconds of terror.

 

[StopMakingSense]

Didn't see it here, but Phil Platt linked to this on his twitter last night, insane sharpened image of the MRO shot of the landing

Source:
http://www.spaceflight101.com/msl-mro-image.html

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

So far they've been powering up the various instruments, running diagnostics and calibrating stuff. They are also going to delete the landing software to make room for a more surface-optimized software package. (Yeah, they're flashing the firmware. ON MARS.)

Why do they have to do it on Mars or why can't they switch from one to another? I'm using all my strength not to try some PS3/Memory joke. lol

The imaging dude said that they're going to download full-color HD versions of some photos from the panorama tomorrow. Can't wait.

Sweet!

Oh is there any Curiosity Merch being done by NASA, I'd love to get my daughter a plush Curiosity or anything even if should could only briefly hold and play with it if an adult was there with her. I'd also like to support NASA if possible vs some knock off merch.

 

[hylje]

Self-Portrait on Deck: A bunch of hi-res images stitched together show some of me on Mars

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia16027.html

 

[Rentahamster]

Myspace angle. Looks hot.

 

[GroundCombo]

Why do they have to do it on Mars or why can't they switch from one to another?

They were still working on the software while Curiosity was flying to Mars (it was already updated at least once before landing), and it makes sense to have the remote update capability anyway. It has two identical computers, so there's a backup in case something goes wrong.

Oh god, the 7 seconds of terror.

 

[AstroNut325]

Myspace angle. Looks hot.

Ok... I loled!

 

[Forsete]

People at my work are stupidheads! :I

I wondered if anyone had seen the MSL-landing. "What is that?" was the reply.
I told them what it was and that I extended my vacation so I could watch it (the landing was at 7:30 local time) and the guys just laughed and wondered why I would do that.

I have been following MSL since it was launched, and that landing is something you might not experience many times in your lifetime. But it was like talking to a brick wall.

Anyway, my drama for the day.

My phone now has a Mars background, and I am waiting for a high res panorama picture from MSL so I can use it on my desktop.

Very much looking forward to MSLs first test-drive, and for the science to begin!

 

[Partial Gamification]

is there any Curiosity Merch being done by NASA[?].

I'm not seeing anything like a plush toy, model-kits will surely come soon. there might be someone out there making custom stuff, NASA has room for improvement on the merch-end but it is nice to see that it is not a focal point of the organization.

Here are some other places and space-swag:

JPL Planet Socks $8.00 (Please note: due to the large volume of orders following the MSL landing,  shipping may be delayed up to a week. )

Kid's flight suits (Kennedy Space Center)

Goddard Flight Center EarthBall (cities light up) $16.95


[edit:] "JPL Little Bear"

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

They were still working on the software while Curiosity was flying to Mars (it was already updated at least once before landing), and it makes sense to have the remote update capability anyway. It has two identical computers, so there's a backup in case something goes wrong.

Day 1 Patch. lol I don't disagree about the remote ability, it would just suck to screw things up with a bad firmware flash. However, since you mention it having a backup, it's not as slightly crazy as before.

I'm not seeing anything like a plush toy, model-kits will surely come soon. there might be someone out there making custom stuff, NASA has room for improvement on the merch-end but it is nice to see that it is not a focal point of the organization.

I think it could help with generating extra money for operations, but the lack of merch whoring has it's plus side too. I just mean in licencing things out.

Here are some other places and space-swag:

JPL Planet Socks $8.00 (Please note: due to the large volume of orders following the MSL landing,  shipping may be delayed up to a week. )

Kid's flight suits (Kennedy Space Center)

Goddard Flight Center EarthBall (cities light up) $16.95

Thanks!

I also must buy Astronaut (yeah I know it was never used) Ice Cream. Loved getting that at The Franklin Institute as a kid!

 

[ConfusingJazz]

What? You have never bricked a 2.6 billion dollar piece of hardware on another planet?

 

[Dai101]

Myspace angle. Looks hot.

Needs more duckface

 

[luxarific]

Oh god, the 7 seconds of terror.

Yeah this. That's basically how NASA lost Viking 1.

The lander operated for 2245 sols (about 2306 Earth days or 6 years) until November 11, 1982, when a faulty command sent by ground control resulted in loss of contact. The command was intended to uplink new battery charging software to improve the lander's deteriorating battery capacity, but it inadvertently overwrote data used by the antenna pointing software. Attempts to contact the lander during the next four months, based on the presumed antenna position, were unsuccessful.

No way to press "reset" from here.

 

[BruiserBear]

Does NASA offer accurate replica models of the Curiosity? I think it would be cool to buy one.

 

[Partial Gamification]

Does NASA offer accurate replica models of the Curiosity? I think it would be cool to buy one.

I'm sure that there will be, if there aren't already. Here is a Lego-build from a JPL engineer:

You can upvote the design if you would like to see Lego produce this model. DIY instructions to build can be found in the link.

 

[Insane Metal]

Surface of Venus:

That's so crazy!!

Don't people say that Venus's surface is like pure lava? WTH? This picture shows rocks. Also what was the temperature measured by that rover?

 

[Insane Metal]

Well DAMN!

Click to see panoramic shot in color!

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/675227main_pia16029-full_full.jpg

 

[AbortedWalrusFetus]

I always expect photos of Mars to be more red than they actually are.

 

[HeySeuss]

Anybody else love how Curiosity talks as though it's a real person? It makes me smile every damn time.

And if LEGO doesn't come out with an entire kit with the Rover, Air Crane, Heat Shield, and everything else, they will seriously miss out.

 

[Beer Monkey]

Yeah this. That's basically how NASA lost Viking 1.

No way to press "reset" from here.

They should use a backup system software (think dual flash firmware). "If I haven't heard from Earth in 'x' days I restore to previous system software and reboot".

 

[Neuromancer]

Well DAMN!

Click to see panoramic shot in color!

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/675227main_pia16029-full_full.jpg

The black parts is where NASA redacted all the alienz

 

[fallout]

Does NASA offer accurate replica models of the Curiosity? I think it would be cool to buy one.

Growing up, I always wanted a Sojourner one. I was just the right age when Pathfinder landed.

Early internet access + daily updates from the Discovery channel = very geeked out 13 y/o

 

[Bisnic]

That's so crazy!!

Don't people say that Venus's surface is like pure lava? WTH? This picture shows rocks. Also what was the temperature measured by that rover?

It was always said to be a very hot planet, but never full of lava.

 

[AbortedWalrusFetus]

It was always said to be a very hot planet, but never full of lava.

The transition temperatures for states of matter actually vary depending on the pressure forces as I recall. That's why water boils at a lower temperature at high altitude. Rocks under greater atmospheric pressure, like on venus would probably have a higher melting point than rocks on earth. So for all we know it could be hot enough to melt rocks at earth atmosphere, but it's clearly not at venus atmospheric pressure.

Although I really remember almost nothing about chemistry, so I could be wrong.

 

[orientalNoodle]

Not very imaginative. What makes them think that Martians plants were green in color?

 

[.GqueB.]

It looks so peaceful.

We'll take care of that mess.

 

[Rentahamster]

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3527/3235600348_33e247ea5b_z.jpg[IMG]

Not very imaginative. What makes them think that Martians plants were green in color?[/QUOTE]

Title of the pic is "Terraformed mars"

This is what Mars would look like, according to the artist, if humans introduced liquid water and organic life to Mars.

Presumably, we'd want to import our Earthly plants to Mars.

 

[orientalNoodle]

So the 4 gray patches on the ground are blast scars from the sky crane rocket. Cool.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

So with current tech how long and how much would it cost to terraform Mars?

If not technologically possible what needs to be discovered or invented to make it so.

 

[orientalNoodle]

So with current tech how long and how much would it cost to terraform Mars?

If not technologically possible what needs to be discovered or invented to make it so.

I would say the first part is how to generate a lot of energy. Terra forming, I assume, would require a vast amount of energy that wouldn't be possible with current tech.

 

[Partial Gamification]

I would say the first part is how to generate a lot of energy. Terra forming, I assume, would require a vast amount of energy that wouldn't be possible with current tech.

Well, could nuke the poles to release the gases but there might not be enough material. Grabbing a few hundred thousand comets and icy bodies and redirecting their orbits for a Martian collision-course would probably do the trick, releasing enough water and gas to make the atmosphere "habitable." Then, little by little, species would be introduced as the biosphere changed. Speculative but theoretically possible.

Say one average sized comet cost 5 Billion and Mars required 250,000 impacts over X number of years. Terraforming would likely be a centuries-long project.

 

[kms_md]

I'm sure that there will be, if there aren't already. Here is a Lego-build from a JPL engineer:

You can upvote the design if you would like to see Lego produce this model. DIY instructions to build can be found in the link.

will be ordering the parts for this tonight (along with the parts for a batman tumbler).

 

[IceCold]

The transition temperatures for states of matter actually vary depending on the pressure forces as I recall. That's why water boils at a lower temperature at high altitude. Rocks under greater atmospheric pressure, like on venus would probably have a higher melting point than rocks on earth. So for all we know it could be hot enough to melt rocks at earth atmosphere, but it's clearly not at venus atmospheric pressure.

Although I really remember almost nothing about chemistry, so I could be wrong.

Even then, the rover only lasted a couple of seconds on Venus before it shut down due to the heat. Most of the volcanic eruptions on Venus are effusive so I'd assume Venus has a lot of lava rivers and stuff. Must be cool. But the most crazy planet/moon in our Solar System must be Io, it's the most volcanically active one. Maybe it's where Hell is located.

 

[Log4Girlz]

Wait, how does the core freeze? I still don't understand how the Earth's core works. Why do the planets closest to the sun have cores, while the planets far away don't? Is it because iron only accumulates close to the star formation zone?



wow this is very interesting, I need to read up on this.

All major planets have cores. Earth has a core which is still hot and causes geologic activity. The gas giants are well, gas so no geologic activity (there are theories for each of the gas giant's core composition). A core can freeze up if there is not enough radioactive material internally, or tidal forces from some close, large body (as would be the case with some exo-planets which orbit very close to their star or moons around large planets, like Io). See, rocky planets naturally cool down until they are just big lumps of rock, like mars did unless there is another factor keeping them hot. Earth has radioactive materials and sheer size (takes longer to cool off) to keep it hot.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

Well, could nuke the poles to release the gases but there might not be enough material. Grabbing a few hundred thousand comets and icy bodies and redirecting their orbits for a Martian collision-course would probably do the trick, releasing enough water and gas to make the atmosphere "habitable." Then, little by little, species would be introduced as the biosphere changed. Speculative but theoretically possible.

Say one average sized comet cost 5 Billion and Mars required 250,000 impacts over X number of years. Terraforming would likely be a centuries-long project.

Terrafforming isn't required though for colonies just part of the long term development.

Nukes would be generate some hilarious reactions even, sadly, when valid. Have nukes being used out side Earth and the immediate upper orbit ever been studied?

I mean what nuke would be used, how would it be detonated, and what yields? Would it require a spaceship that could launch a nuke like a sub or bomber?

 

[Jburton]

That's so crazy!!

Don't people say that Venus's surface is like pure lava? WTH? This picture shows rocks. Also what was the temperature measured by that rover?

Crazy temps and insane atmospheric pressures roasted that probe and crushed it like a tin can.

Venus no likey visitors.

 

[dabig2]

So with current tech how long and how much would it cost to terraform Mars?

If not technologically possible what needs to be discovered or invented to make it so.

Not even in the realm of being technologically possible...at the moment. But in a couple hundred years maybe?

What would work best imo would be to grab asteroids from the asteroid belt and "hurl" them at Mars. Each asteroid impact would raise the temperature by a couple degrees and hopefully after a few dozen....thousand...the polar ice caps will melt.

I like this better than building a million greenhouse factories or giant ocean-sized reflector mirrors in space because it's:
a)so much cooler
b)might be easier to implement (gravity does most of the work)
c)so fucking awesome

 

[Mackenzie 92]

So with current tech how long and how much would it cost to terraform Mars?

If not technologically possible what needs to be discovered or invented to make it so.

Seeding with algae and lichen would be a likely first step and we already are really close to being able to do that.

In April 2012, it was reported that lichen and bacteria survived and showed remarkable adaptation capacity for photosynthesis after 34 days in simulated Martian conditions in the Mars Simulation Laboratory (MSL) maintained by the German Aerospace Center. On Earth, bacteria are about 80% of the biomass.

Lot more here-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraforming_of_Mars

We have the technology to do a ton of stuff in the solar system now, but it's just a matter of money holding us back. The returns and profits are still too far away for any country or private sector to make the enormous investments necessary to do anything.

Lot of interesting stuff to read here-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization

 

[.GqueB.]

Does it make anyone else sad that we'll all be long dead before all the cool stuff starts happening?

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

Does it make anyone else sad that we'll all be long dead before all the cool stuff starts happening?

Don't remind me. I'd be happy with manned mission and a mars base. It will set things up nicely for my daughter to grow up with.

 

[maquiladora]

Does it make anyone else sad that we'll all be long dead before all the cool stuff starts happening?

Who knows, there may be an amazing breakthrough in slowing down or even stopping the aging process within our lifetime.

 

[Partial Gamification]

Terrafforming isn't required though for colonies just part of the long term development.

Nukes would be generate some hilarious reactions even, sadly, when valid. Have nukes being used out side Earth and the immediate upper orbit ever been studied?

I mean what nuke would be used, how would it be detonated, and what yields? Would it require a spaceship that could launch a nuke like a sub or bomber?

Terraforming is a wild idea. Colonizing another plant is, simply, out-of-this World.
There have been high-orbit detonations, I believe the warhead was on top of a rocket. I think one of the first tests blacked-out a section of the national power grid.

 

[Manos: The Hans of Fate]

Terraforming is a wild idea. Colonizing another plant is, simply, out-of-this World.
There have been high-orbit detonations, I believe the warhead was on top of a rocket. I think one of the first tests blacked-out a section of the national power grid.

Yeah I think it was Ivy Mike or the Castle Bravo test that inadvertently discovered EMP.