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Article: Weightlessness and nuclear power in space. (needs of study on human and technological factors for NASA missions to the moon and Mars)(Development)
- Article from:
- The Futurist
- Article date:
- November 1, 1990
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1990 World Future Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Weightlessness and Nuclear Power in Space
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's plans for a lunar base and expeditions to Mars seem "reasonable," but several vital issues still must be addressed, reports a National Research Council committee. These issues include developing artificial gravity, replacing the space-shuttle fleet with new vehicles, and possibly using nuclear-propulsion technology.
Weightlessness will be a key factor in the success of future missions to the moon and Mars. Experience from past missions indicates that long-term weightlessness is an unacceptable risk for mission crews, even with exercise and other countermeasures, ...