Future Mars Missions and Societal Issues
Julia Kahmann-Robinson PhD and Marjorie Chan PhD, University of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics
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International Space Station; Image Credit: NASA![[creative commons]](/images/creativecommons_16.png)
Summary
This learning module and related exercises will expose students the issues of space exploration and the other NASA-partnering agencies and institutions as well as private companies engaged in space-related technology.
Learning Goals
- Become aware of NASA partnering agencies and private companies engaged in space-related technology
- Design a mission and experience the panel review/decision process
Context for Use
This particular module does not apply any earth analog approaches, but rather exposes students to the philosophy and ethics of privatized vs. government-funded research programs.
Description and Teaching Materials
In-Class Activity
- In-Class Activity 1: Manned-Space Flight: Is it needful? (Acrobat (PDF) 79kB Jun5 13)
- In-Class Activity 2: Space Flight Going Private (Acrobat (PDF) 69kB Jun5 13)
Homework/Lab
- Homework 1: Cut a Budget (Acrobat (PDF) 113kB Jun5 13)
Teaching Notes and Tips
- In-Class Activities are meant to be instructor-guided without the use of worksheets (although provided) in a discussion format. The Image File, found in Resources, associated with this teaching module should allow ease of implementation in this modality.
- In-Class Activities above in Teacher Materials are student versions only. Instructor versions are available online to the left in the left-hand task bar under this module.
- Become aware of the issues yourself before engaging in a discussion with students regarding privatization.
Assessment
Each In-Class Activity and Homework has its own measure of Assessment.
References and Resources
- Space X Press Release (Acrobat (PDF) 177kB Oct16 12)
- Manned-Space flight News Article (find most recent): http://www.science20.com/brinstorming/near_future_manned_spaceflight-93648
- NASA Human Space Flight Goals: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/626738main_HEOMD2012Goals.pdf
- NASA roadmap for Astrobiology: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/
- Space-X CEO Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPJsI8pl8Q&feature=related
- Space X's Dragon spacecraft docking with the ISS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwDCWTqNceQ&feature=player_embedded