Part 4 – I’m Moving to Mars in 2022

So far my research had been exclusively American.  I decided I needed to change it up a bit, so I looked to discover what the motherland had to say.  My most relevant findings weren’t about the future, but the past.  BBC News’ Race to Mars webpage had a nice timeline which emphasized most that humans hit Mars with man-made materials in 1971 and 1972.  Educating uninitiated space junkies, the site reveals that starting back in 1965 humans were taking close-up pictures of the surface from orbiting satellites.  This was exciting and a good sign for two reasons.  First, from taking close-up pictures to landing–albeit crash landing–took less than a decade.  Second, Mars One has given itself a decade and there are rovers right now on Mars.  Remember Mars One’s claim…they’re only going to use existing technology.  That was becoming more and more believable as my research continued.  Moreover, 10 years to prepare was beginning to sound more like 10 years to perfect the plan.

Scrolling down to my Works Cited page, I decided to see what James Bell III had to say.  In an extremely impressive article called, “The Search for Habitable Worlds: Planetary Exploration in the 21St Century,” Bell plainly and eloquently explains the situation.  The situation is that Mars is definitely mankind’s chosen priority at the moment (9).  Before going further, I need to clear the air and acknowledge that Bell never does discuss placing humans on any of the once habitable or possibly habitable worlds; instead he emphasizes the current strategy slogan adopted by NASA is “flyby, orbit, land, rove, and return” (9).  One particular article highlight is that it sounds like Mars likely had water at one point, but it is difficult or impossible for water to remain stable on the surface today because of the lack of atmosphere (12).  So, this article then is a mixed bag for my quest.  This writer, Bell, seems to be a very respectable voice in the community, but he doesn’t mention settling people on Mars.  However, he does an excellent job of delineating that humankind is in the “third great Age of Exploration” as historian and author Stephen Pyne has labeled it (8).  As always, I take this to be a great indicator that we are moving quickly and will soon be living on Mars.  I take this to be a great indicator because the first two ages of exploration (the first personified by Columbus; the second, Lewis and Clark) were successful.  Among the many things humans, as a group, seem to be skilled at, exploring tops the list–and I see no reason for this skill to have perished simply because we’ve reached the end of the Earth.

****

Bell III, James F. “The Search for Habitable Worlds: Planetary Exploration in the 21St Century.” Daedalus 141.3 (2012): 8. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 5 Sept. 2013.

BBC News. BBC, 04 Feb. 2008. Web. 17 Sept. 2013. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2003/race_for_mars/default.stm&gt;.

Part 3 – I’m Moving to Mars in 2022

Next, I stumbled upon a more scholarly article written by Mehdi Lali.  In “Analysis and Design of a Human Spaceflight to Mars, Europa, and Titan,” Mehdi Lali discusses why these three un-earthly bodies are the best choice for manned exploration and when the best time to do it will be.  He also incorporates some graphics which illustrate several gee-whiz techniques which will make the trip quicker and safer.  He begins the article by clarifying that, “Among the terrestrial (rocky) planets, only Mars can potentially be host to humans” (557).  As space exploration isn’t limited to planets he further discusses options like Europa and Titan which are moons of outer planets.  After he presents his ideas and methodology he concludes, “A rare launch-window opportunity is conceived to occur in 2078, in which these sites i.e., Mars, Europa and Titan will be aligned in such a way that they can be visited in one mission taking advantage of the gravity assists from Mars and Jupiter” (563).  Sign me up.  Obviously, the year 2078 is quite a bit later than 2023; likewise, the specifics that Mr. Lali recommends for Mars exploration are quite a bit different from Mars One’s plans.  This second source then really only conveyed to me that the area of manned space exploration is not very stable.  It seems that depending on a set of almost unlimited factors, different scientists perceive different capabilities.  Overall, my takeaway is that Lali’s article is clearly not about settling Mars, so its conclusions aren’t very relevant to my question.  I have to admit that an article like Mr. Lali’s was kind of draining.  It had too much specific data (read: numbers), and most of it went way over my head.  That’s okay.  With every failure comes a learning opportunity.  I learned that I needed to focus my research a little narrower—easy enough.

What I found next was an article called, “How To…Land a Human on Mars.”  Piers Bizony writes a much more digestible article explaining…how to land a human on Mars.  It seems Mars One isn’t the only game in town.  Since the early 1990s something called Mars Direct has been floating a six step plan to explore Mars in person.  Essentially, the plan is to send the recovery vehicle  first (empty), then gear, then people, then recover everyone; after which they would rinse’n’repeat (Bizony 42).  While this wasn’t the plan Mars One had, it was still an encouraging bit of information.  Making it even more intriguing, was that it claimed that the technology to create fuel and water on Mars already exists (Bizony 41).  At this point in the project I decided to close the laptop and pack my “go” bag.

****

Bizony, Piers. “How To… …Land A Human On Mars.” Engineering & Technology (17509637) 8.1 (2013): 40-42. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5 Sept. 2013.

Lali, Mehdi. “Analysis And Design Of A Human Spaceflight To Mars, Europa, And Titan.” AIP Conference Proceedings 1208.1 (2010): 557-565. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5

Part 2 – I’m Moving to Mars in 2022

The question remains: “Are humans really going to be living on Mars in 2023?”  To begin my research, I found an editorial written by former moon-walker himself Buzz Aldrin.  This year he wrote that notions of going back to the moon should be discarded in favor of exploring Mars; and he said, “Going to Mars means staying on Mars…” (Aldrin).  Well, for me, that about settled it; we’re going to Mars.  Okay, maybe it didn’t settle anything, but I liked that he agreed with the requirement that the trip be one way.  I was also excited to see that an authority on the subject is clearly as excited as I am about this trip.  Why?  Because while Buzz Aldrin clearly passed muster regarding astronaut-hood, I really don’t know how credible he is regarding the specifics of space exploration.  But here’s the thing–I don’t care.  His credibility, for me, comes from the fact that he went.  And having went, he recommends going farther.  Imagine my elation then, being one source into this paper and already having one reassurance that 2023 will be the year of the Red Planet.  Nice!

****

Aldrin, Buzz. “The Call of Mars.” The New York Times. (June 14, 2013 Friday): 734 words.

Part 1 – I’m Moving to Mars in 2022

Of course, that it takes 9-months to get there means I won’t actually arrive until 2023.  The fact remains, I’m going.  Back in 2011 Mars One announced its purpose.  The Mars One home page reads, “The Mars One Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that will establish a permanent human settlement on Mars in 2023.”  As far as a mission statement or S.M.A.R.T. goal, they don’t get much better or simpler than that.  Precisely that kind of focus will ensure achievement of the mission.

For me, the idea became a reality when I first heard the quote, “What is possible is done; what is impossible will be done.”  The quote is diluted enough to not really be associated with any one person, and more important than who said it is the idea it expresses–that being, everything is first an idea, even if only an impossible idea.  Growing up in the 20th century surrounded by pop culture that included “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” it is more than clear that humans as a group believe we’ll be zipping around the universe in the future.  What I didn’t expect, but have now come to believe, is that it will begin during my lifetime…and could be me.

Placing all my fever-pitched excitement aside, I can’t deny that there is a nagging voice in my head that says, “Nobody is going anywhere.”  Now Mars-One assures me that the reasons they are going to succeed include all the technology already exists, they’re eliminating the return trip (which was probably the single largest hindrance to past Mars plans), and they will be able to privately fund the project by giving the people what they want—a front row seat to the whole thing via some amalgamation of reality TV programming.  This all still sounded crazy to me until they pointed out the ad revenue the last Olympics generated was nearly enough to fund this mission.  And that was a recurring entertainment event.  Settling humankind on Mars will be a first-time-ever event, and will change the nature of human existence.

Part 2 Monday…

How To Ruin Food

(If you’re short on time, skip to the bottom for numbered instructions.)

“I really shouldn’t eat this, what with it containing 12 grams of saturated fat.  Oh well, I’ll put in extra time at the gym tonight,” he said scarfing down the burger.

“I know.  I really went overboard last weekend on the late night snacking.  I think I ate two entire bags of chips and salsa,” she replied in kind.

They continued this way for the duration of the time it took for them to wolf down other foods they shouldn’t eat because of words and numbers on the packaging.  I know because I was eating with them.  You see, they were my friends.  I hadn’t seen them in such a long time, and I had finally made time to grab a bite to catch up with them.  By the time the food–if we can even call it that anymore–was finished, I was able to ask, “So how’s life?  What have you been up to?”

“It’s good.  Really good.  Oh, but look at the time.  I really need to get going if I’m going to make it to the restaurant on time after work tonight.  I really need to stop eating out so much,” she said.

Instruction for How To Ruin Food

Step 1 – Believe that there is any relationship between nutritional facts and self-discipline.

Step 2 – State the relationship.

Step 3 – Repeat Step 2 until time runs out.

All Good

Pete couldn’t remember meeting her.  He thought that was weird.  Then again, a big sister would’ve always been there, wouldn’t she have?  I guess he did have some early memories of her.  There was the often told bike incident with little Steven.  Oh, and for some reason he could remember her displaying shyness whenever it was clear she liked a certain boy.  And he’d never forget his favorite memory of their childhood.  It was the day he, ahem, stumbled upon a certain diary entry which contained a baggie of gum that she saved after she was given it–handed–directly from the mouth of a crush of hers.  (Not having much time for fear of being caught, he only found it because it prevented the book from closing properly).

He was so selfish that he always took credit for initiating his own desire to live with integrity.  Today, however, Pete finally took a minute and realized she necessarily would have been a founding influence, even if just subconsciously.  She did the ‘right things’ as a child, and not only stayed out of trouble, but was rewarded for it.  Rewarded with high grades at school, with being well-liked by everyone who knew her, and with achieving success in her passions.  Those were only a few of the things he unwittingly observed growing up with her.

She also never questioned or interfered with his dreams and pursuits.

Their only moments of tension came when he was too evangelical about the need for everyone to be like him.  Oh, and the morning when she criticized the smell of the slightly burnt scrambled egg-whites.  He was pretty upset at her for that.  What could he say?  Egg-whites were one of his only meals whose flavor he enjoyed some 60 days into the restrictive pre-contest diet, and she just had to say something, didn’t she?  Oh well.  On this day he is in no mood to hold grudges–he’s just sayin’.

These days he sees how she raises her family.  There is a lot of stress, there is a lot of yelling, there is a lot of frustration.  But what her children will remember is that there was a loving mom.  Always.  And that constancy, Pete and his sister (and their brother for that matter) knew from experience, was priceless.  In this moment of contemplation, he realized that her continuing to live with the values she demonstrated as a child should have never surprised him.  Either way, for him at least, the story only gets better.

There came a time when he needed help.  He needed someone he could rely on no matter what.  He needed a partner who wouldn’t judge him and who would hold him accountable.  His mind raced through the names of everyone he knew.  There was one name with which he couldn’t find fault, one name which he couldn’t dismiss, one name he knew he wouldn’t lie to out of respect, one name he knew would not let him off easy, and one name who would respect him through the journey.  There was one name whose unfailing love blinded her to weakness leaving only strength.

That name was Kate.  Thank you Kate.  And “Happy Birthday!”  All Good.

Longing

We used to be so close.  Your touch was so soft, so warm.  When I needed you, you were always there for me.  Sometimes you’d pull away in the middle of the night.  Sometimes you’d get all twisted up.  Sometimes it seemed like I had to fight to get you back.  But return, you always did.

Recently, I feel like the one who has been neglecting you.  I’m the one who has been staying away some nights.  I’m the one who has chosen a shoddy imitation of you–even though I know better.

When we touched the other night I almost cried.  A flood of memories came rushing back.  We used to spend hours upon hours together.  You don’t know how desperately I want to return to that life.  I just can’t right now.  There are bills to pay.  There are mountains to explore.  There is writing to do.

I’m sorry Sheets, but I just don’t think this reduced amount of time together will end anytime soon.  I miss you.

Professor Batman

This was my first post ever. The concept is still unbeatable; I’d like to think my writing has improved.
12 years later, what future do you see?

Pete Deakon's avatarCaptain’s Log

Even before The Dark KnightRises is released, a lot can be learned from Bruce Wayne.  Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Batman and his self-imposed battle with the forces of evil is more than entertainment.  After all, could anyone argue that Bruce Wayne is not the greatest example of a successful man?

Once you take away the awesome gadgets, the state-of-the-art superhero body-armor, and the adoring community who benefits from Batman’s vigilante nightlife, you have a man. Plain and simple. Unlike most superheroes of the comic world, Batman possesses no super-human powers other than his own strength and cunning. He is a successful hero because he maximizes and focuses on his internal qualities.

Is Bruce Wayne simply a myth? Or is he a character who can inspire each of us to define our purpose in life, our personal measure of success.

Our entire lives we are taught to achieve success. In…

View original post 827 more words

A Letter to Friends Who Challenge Me – That I’ll Never Write

Dear Friends Who Challenge Me,

I’m writing to you on this fine September day because we need to talk.  Please understand writing this letter was not easy for me.  I can already hear some of your responses and I have only completed three sentences.  I simply wanted to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

You see, you have all–unintentionally I hope–ruined my life.  Up until I met you, I was happy-go-lucky and really thought I knew which way was up.  I went about my days with little or no concern for…anything, really.  The people I surrounded myself with would empathize with my every feeling.  If I was sad, they would shower me with sympathy cards.  If I was happy, they would throw me a party.  If I was mad, they would come rushing to my defense.  It was really quite wonderful.

Then you guys entered my life.  I can’t even remember which of you I met first, or how we met.  What I do remember is how I felt as you didn’t empathize.  At first, I can’t deny that you had appeal simply because you were different–as if a lightening bolt.  But over time, I learned to love you guys.  You provided a balancing perspective that I nearly forgot existed.  I treasured the perspective.  I finally felt grown up.

Living with you in my life taught me to really evaluate the situation.  Should I be sad?  Should I be happy?  Was anger really the appropriate response?  And no matter where we disagreed, you always let me make up my own mind and go my own way.  Your authenticity tore-down the shelter that my fear and laziness constructed.

Just the same, I think the time has come for us to part ways.  I know.  I know this is difficult and confusing for you to hear.  Believe me when I tell you I haven’t come to this decision lightly.  My problem is I just can’t relate to ‘normal’ people anymore.  When they live and talk, I want to be authentic with them, as you have been authentic with me.  It doesn’t work.  These new friends go silent.  They have no response.  Some of them become visibly agitated.  I have been called “mean.”  Their shelter is too strong.  More than that, they don’t even want to believe they have one.

You and I know that they’ll be happier without it, but I am still mad at you.  I feel so lost in these new situations that I really do think the best thing is for me to rebuild my own shelter.  I think it will be nice to take a break for a while.  I hope you can understand this decision, though I know you never will.  Maybe we’ll meet again someday.

Once Your Friend,

A Mugwump