Scientific Prerequisites for the Human Exploration of Space (1993) / Chapter Skim
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3 RESEARCH FOR MISSION OPTIMIZATION
3 RESEARCH FOR MISSION OPTIMIZATION
Pages 33-45
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From page 33... ...
They are, however, no less important as related to optimum human performance during exploration missions. In addition, increased knowledge of the physical aspects of the Moon and Mars is required to ensure that human explorers perform efficiently.
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From page 34... ...
The possible defects already identified in lymphocytes and also other elements of immunity vital to specific and adaptive defense mechanisms in humans need to be examined. The potential effects of spaceflight on normal human immunity must be judged in terms of the antibody responses and reactions of lymphocytes, macrophages, and other white blood cells to different types of antigens.
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From page 35... ...
Effector systems, which eliminate toxins and kill microbes targeted by antibodies, such as white blood cells of the granulocyte series and serum proteins called complement factors, also should be assessed functionally. Some in vivo studies are required to detect and understand any deficiencies or excesses in integrated human immune responses.
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From page 36... ...
Such constituents as G-proteins, phosphoinositides, actin, and calmodulin also occur in plant cells and may have active roles. The increasing applicability of techniques of molecular biology to problems in plant growth and development will be useful in attempts to understand the responses of plants to the space environment and in developing breeding programs designed to increase plant performance in microgravity environments.
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From page 37... ...
A major scientific goal is simply to grow plants in space for extended periods of time -- over several life cycles -- while carefully monitoring their performance. This goal is related to the more general need, outlined in the previous section, to investigate how diverse organisms undergo development in the space environment.
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From page 38... ...
Prime questions to be answered for candidate sites involve the mechanical properties of the landing zone and the surrounding terrain to be explored and sampled. Size distributions of rocks at potential landing sites Copyright © National Academy of Sciences.
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From page 39... ...
Significant estimates can be made of the near-surface soil densities using radar reflection and microwave emission techniques. Robotic landers may be required to achieve sufficient confidence to certify sites for human landings unless the areas selected are familiar (e.g., Apollo or Viking sites or demonstrably similar ones)
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From page 40... ...
POTENTIAL MARTIAN HAZARDS Potential hazards posed by martian weather and climate, volcanic and seismic activity, and a number of other factors need to be considered in the context of concern for astronaut safety and the major investment of resources in any program of human exploration. A mission failure due to lack of adequate assessment of all plausible and sensible potential hazards, however unlikely, would be inexcusable.
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From page 41... ...
The presence of moving dust particles in an atmosphere nearly as dry as Earth's stratosphere, however, could produce significant electrostatic charging. Besides being a nuisance (e.g., fine dust clinging to optical surfaces)
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From page 42... ...
Areas of scientific interest in potentially dangerous locations, such as deep martian canyons or close to known volcanic vents, may require precursor visits by robot landers or rovers. Such sites may be especially important in deciphering the history of Mars, particular the role played by liquid water in both geological and biological contexts.
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From page 43... ...
Many examples of challenges associated with a modified gravity field can be found: producing needed materials from available raw materials; washing and drying of clothing, equipment, humans, and animals; handling of hazardous and obnoxious wastes; improving and ensuring spacecraft fire safety; and achieving temperature control for humans, animals, plants, and electronics. The challenges occur predominantly in the life support areas but extend well beyond them.
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From page 44... ...
RESOURCE UTILIZATION Long-term human exploration of Mars may require or greatly benefit from landing sites in close proximity to exploitable resources. If, for example, water needs to be acquired on Mars, it might be extracted from the air, from surface materials containing chemically bound water, or from sub-surface ice or permafrost.
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From page 45... ...
2. For an assessment of this problem in the context of Space Station Freedom, see Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Guidelines for Developing Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1992.
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