What We're Saying About Mars:
... from the angle of our vision ...
- The NSS is excited about the Pathfinder mission and the Mars Global
Surveyor mission to follow -- although they are robotic missions, they are
paving the way for human exploration early in the next century. The next
critical step is for NASA to conduct a Phase A study which will detail
precisely how humans will get to Mars.
- The primary purpose for the Pathfinder is to demonstrate an innovative
landing technigue for a spacecraft carrying science instruments. It is a
scientific mission, but the science that will be carried out is highly
focused and will survey the geology and resources that can be used to support
future human missions.
... from the mission to planet earth/mission home/environmental angle ...
- By studying the geology and climate of Mars, we will obtain a better
understanding of significant events that Earth may face in the future.
If Mission Fails:
- After the Mars Observer failed in 1993, NASA redesigned the Mars
exploration program to be comprised of a series of less expensive craft;
therefore, if one is lost, all are not lost. The craft are actually being
launched in pairs of orbiters and landers that are $125 - $150 million as
compared to Mars Observer's, one-shot $980 million cost.
- We look forward to the Mars Global Surveyor's achieving Martian orbit in
September this year. What we will want to confirm is that the loss of this
craft does not adversely affect or delay the inclusion of science experiments
While this craft is the orbiting component of this pair, Surveyor will be
providing equally valuable evaluation of physical and mineralogical surface
information.
What You Can Say About NSS:
- Mention your affiliation with NSS when you're speaking, or, give them your
affiliation to put up on the screen during the interview.
- The NSS is an independent, non-profit space advocacy organization whose
25,000 members and 95 chapters actively promote a spacefaring civilization.
- Find out about the NSS by calling 1-800-376-ORBIt or visit us on the World
Wide Web at nss.org.
What the NSS Is Doing Around Mars:
- The National Space Society and Planet Hollywood are hosting a Mars image
viewing night at Planet Hollywood in Washington, DC, beginning at 8:30 pm
EDT.
- NSS chapters around the country -- Chicago, Florida -- are working on their
own or with local science museums to offer lectures, hold contests during the
weekend of July 4th. ; i.e., Chicago, Florida
- The NSS has a special area on its web site called "Mars Madness"; filled
with Mars viewing party planning tips, an events calendar for Mars events
throughout July, a resource area and an area for Mars images. The URL is
www.nss.org/mars
Questions on this information, or if you get contacted by media and need
direction ...
Contact: Karen Rugg, NSS Director of Communications
202-543-1900, ext. 77 (w)
krug4space@aol.com
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