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I would like to see more prototyping of techniques that could be used on Mars to create materials. It seems there is a lot of handwaving but not much real-world
by maxxxxx 8y ago
I would like to see more prototyping of techniques that could be used on Mars to create materials. It seems there is a lot of handwaving but not much real-world engineering. Before we haven't run a long-term trial for surviving in some desert on earth it would be irresponsible to fly to Mars.
- TeMPOraL 8y agoThere is some prototyping, but not nearly enough IMO, and it doesn't hit the news that much. I agree about desert trials (or better yet, somewhere dry and cold near the pole). I'm not sure why this isn't done - whether it's just a money issue, or there's less benefit to be had from such test than we think?
- maxxxxx 8y ago" whether it's just a money issue, or there's less benefit to be had from such test than we think? " I think NASA will do them but their dates for such a mission are decades away. Others who want to do this earlier are probably just not serious. With current tech this would be a suicide mission. Any little problem will kill the settlers.
- TeMPOraL 8y agoOn Earth, you can always airlift people at the earliest sign of trouble, so I don't think the risk is that big. And even semi-serious attempts could give wealth of data useful for actual mission.
- maxxxxx 8y agoShould have phrased this more precise: I meant on Mars every little problem will kill you. On Earth you can rescue people, no problem.
- TeMPOraL 8y agoRight. Just that the part you quoted in the original reply was about Earth. Mars mission, that's almost a given. I wonder why we aren't already having larger-scale trials on deserts or near the poles.