Getting Humans to Mars Without Breaking the Bank

NASA scientist Harley Thronson tells us about a new initiative that is figuring out how we will get men and women to the red planet at a reasonable price. You can read their initial report. Emily Lakdawalla reports on Curiosity’s passage over dunes that made engineers nervous. Bill Nye reveals NASA’s plans for a lunar rover that may launch in 2018. Mat Kaplan joins Bruce Betts in a TV studio to record this week’s What’s Up segment. You can watch!

Related Links:

• “Affording Human Exploration of Mars” Workshop Report
• Curiosity Update, Sols 534-540: Over Dingo Gap, Onto Softer Sand
• NASA Planning Lunar Rover That Will Mine Water
• Bruce Betts’ Online Intro to Astronomy Course

This week's prize is "Beyond Earth," the beautiful, letterpress 19"x25" poster from Chop Shop. See it at chopshopstore.com.

This week's question:

What was the brightest supernova as observed and recorded historically, and approximately how bright was it?

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, February 25, at 2pm Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

What is the region in the electromagnetic spectrum that is between ultraviolet and gamma rays?

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

What comet did the astronauts on Skylab IV observe?

Answer:

Comet Kahoutek was observed by the astronauts on Skylab IV.