China to go to Mars?

[daib0]

China’s plans for the Moon, Mars and beyond

Later this week China will announce more details about a mission to Mars. Until now, the country has been secretive about its military-led space programme. But in an exclusive interview with the BBC, Wu Weiren, the head designer of its lunar and Mars missions, reveals China's future plans for exploration. [To be revealed shortly...]


Rumours are that they are putting 2020 as an optimistic target for Mars ... IS IT POSSIBLE? CAN IT BE DONE YET?!

[Deleted User 728]

Yes, it's possible and yes it can and will be done.

I love the space program. All of it.
Russian. US. Chinese. Even those nutters we've got up and down the country in potting sheds.

I was fascinated by everything to do with space as a kid and I still am today.


I would love there to be an international space program, pooling the best talent from around the globe, but I don't think the world is ready for that yet.
If you've ever read Arthur C Clarke's greatest novel, Rendezvous With Rama, you'll know what I mean ..


Maybe with this move, the Chinese will kick-start a new space race ?
I hope so ..

[daib0]

Here's a reply from an American engineer on the Reading forum

"Getting to Mars, no huge problem (the condition one arrives in could be an issue). Getting folks back is a whole 'nother question... With the unanswered questions about such a trip (degradation of muscles while in zero-G, radiation exposure and damage, shielding, return fuel and provisions, many more), 2020 seems absurdly soon. NASA has a proposed 2030 schedule, that I severely doubt will be met.

Mars gravity is only 38% that of Earth, but more than twice the Moon's gravity (~17% of Earth's), so a lift-off from Mars would take a bit over twice the energy a Moon lift-off required. Depending on the speed of return (assuming a return; the Mars One private project is a one-way trip, for example), more fuel will be required for a Mars de-orbit and return, then a Earth capture and re-entry. Provisions for both legs of the trip add much more weight that the Moon trips had to carry. The MarsOne Webpage proposed unmanned trips starting in 2020 and manned (one-way) trips in 2026. Their plan is interesting, and not too far-fetched on quick examination. "

[Deleted User 728]

But in my world we were ready several years ago ...

[Devlin]

Interesting news!

[benfathers45]

Now as China become so eager to reach Mars on 2020. In my opinion they will. If there"s a will there's a way.

[johnh]

If Trump gets in, Boris Johnson replaces Cameron and Putin is still there then I am volunteering to go to Mars with the Chinese.

[Davycc]

If Trump gets in, Boris Johnson replaces Cameron and Putin is still there then I am volunteering to go to Mars with the Chinese.

Those three in a room together would be like a scene from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

[Deleted User 728]

After visiting Berlin a couple of years ago, I read a book about life behind the Wall called Stasiland by Anna Funder.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stasiland-Stor ... =stasiland



In it, she interviewed various people at various levels of the government, civil service and secret police as well as everyday folk on the street.
It's a fascinating story and you wouldn't believe some of the things that went on, let alone the sheer number of people reporting to the Stasi on a daily basis.

.. and yet, at the fall of the wall and the reunification of Germany, there were many, many citizens who wanted to stay as they were.
Despite the disappearances, secrecy and constant feeling of unease, there was also security, contentment and a sense that the future was safe .. that you would be looked after and everything would be okay. Socialism was working: everyone had a job, a home, food on the table, chocolate, beer, vodka, medicine, cheap transport, an efficient infrastructure, decent education, successful sports teams, etc ..

They were happier under the red flag than facing the unpredictable free world.



Do you see where I'm going with this ?

[johnh]

North Korea?

Most people, particularly if they have a reasonably comfortable existence, are against change. Too much trouble and risk, which is why the 'Remains' (unfortunately) will probably win in the EU referendum.