NOTE FROM THE MODERATORS (Last Updated: 8/21/2012)
Earlier this summer, we asked the public to contribute to the Mars dialog through this forum. Your enthusiastic response was beyond our expectations - over 1,200 people signed up, participated, asked questions, voted, commented and engaged in a dialogue about the future of Mars exploration. The strong response hinted that the public was even more interested in exploring Mars than we thought, and the interest in Curiosity proved it, as millions tuned in to watch what we affectionately call "The 7 Minutes of Terror."
From your contributions and comments, we went to work and developed a few things to help people better understand the Red Planet and all of the complexities that go along with exploring it.
We've published answers to some of the specific questions asked in the forum:
www.nasa.gov/offices/marsplanning/faqs/index.html
We've also asked NASA experts to contribute their thoughts on some of the broader topics that were voted to the top by Mars Forum users:
www.nasa.gov/offices/marsplanning/faqs/video.html
Finally, your incredible response has prompted us to actively address public participation in our future planning for Mars exploration.
This isn’t the end! The Mars Forum is 1,200 people strong and we want to engage with you more. Please continue following the Curiosity rover, and stay tuned for the next opportunity for the Mars Forum community to comment on plans regarding the future of Mars exploration.
If you want to learn more about the planet Mars or current robotic missions, Mars expert "Dr. C" is ready and waiting to answer your questions. Or learn more at Be a Martian, and engage in some citizen science!
Sincerely,
The Mars Forum Moderators
P.S. Here is a pretty sweet word cloud of your conversation!
Are we developing a air compressor which can divide O2 from the rest of atmosphere at least we dont have to cary O2 for the time the crew stands on mars?
Submitted by Belt of Orion 5 months ago
On earth exist a 24 H day night circle the martian one is of 24H 37m how this will affect plants ore humans
Submitted by Belt of Orion 5 months ago
did any1 think about moonlight which is essential for each and evry1 @ night?
so wat about the moon of mars and there support to mars?
Submitted by pete.peterson44 5 months ago
Has there been thought of creating a calendar for Mars?
Submitted by Alvaro Aires 5 months ago
How much time can a human being live on Mars? Because if it takes like 6 months to get there, I think that probably 1 week is acceptable. Also, how many hours and when are they going to sleep?
Submitted by Community Member 5 months ago
What precious elements are found on the surface of mars? Just as metals and precious materials have been used on earth successfully. Mars materials can be used to further study mars, aide in designing better robots for mars, use those precious materials to explore mars possibilities. Everything about mars comes from those precious elements. If there is life it will incorporate those elements in its life. Make better ...more »
What precious elements are found on the surface of mars?
Just as metals and precious materials have been used on earth successfully. Mars materials can be used to further study mars, aide in designing better robots for mars, use those precious materials to explore mars possibilities. Everything about mars comes from those precious elements. If there is life it will incorporate those elements in its life. Make better rovers than can mine those materials and use it.
Plan to explore the basic properties of the elements on mars. Even better discover new elements. Send this data back to earth to study them and answer questions about future missions. Save alot of money if this is successful. And could be the start of new exploration on mars.
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Submitted by Community Member 5 months ago
What is being done to reduce the cost it takes to get things into space? The cost just to get into orbit is big.
Submitted by mysthope 5 months ago
just why !!! why are we spending huge amounts of money on exploring mars, while we have parts on the earth that still desert ???
Submitted by Matt 5 months ago
Hi, I don't know if somebody ask you it. Would i like to know if there is any plan to investigate the Mars 's moons into manned exploration mission? I believe that would be a great opportunity, seize that these moons are close to developing a deeper study and field them and to corroborate the observation research. Thanks anda I hope so much to be part of this.
Submitted by gerasfisica07 5 months ago
The ISS in orbit around the planet was mankinds first foothold in space. My question is what is the next step in establishing a perminent presence in space? Something that helps keep us up there.
Submitted by mysthope 5 months ago
Supposed mars can be made habitable place for human and we bring earth's properties in mars, do you think the ecosystem on our planet will not be destroy?
Submitted by poch88 5 months ago
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