Expedition Mars

The technical challenges of a human expedition to Mars are the principal theme to be explored by Martin Turner in Expedition Mars. The author begins by describing how the very latest rocket propulsion and spacecraft technology, and planned developments in nuclear and electric propulsion technologies, are the key factors which will enable a human expedition to Mars to take place. Of particular importance are the challenges of transporting cargo to Mars and in providing necessary life support for the crew, including the supply of consumables, such as food, water, air and fuel, for the return journey. In this regard the author considers how the International Space Station fits into the strategy for a human journey to the Red Planet, in its preparation of astronauts for long-duration spaceflight and the possible hazards posed by space radiation and prolonged weightlessness. The author discusses the relative merits of fast and slow journeys to Mars, i.e. is quicker also safer and cheaper? Also of importance is the role of unmanned robotic explorers in preparing the ground for human activities on Mars and in defining what the surface of Mars is like. The means by which future explorers will live and work on Mars are also explored, including issues such as habitation, modules, Mars buggies, spacesuits, scientific experiments and communications with Earth. He concludes by looking at the possible political obstacles to such a journey, but points out that sooner or later humans will have to make a choice; stay here on Earth or explore the Solar System beyond. One route takes us nowhere, the other leads to the stars.

"As preparation for the arguments back and forth about the choice between flying just the mind, or its wetware too, Expedition Mars is a good launch pad for a survey of the technology we have and what we need to make the expedition a reality. He tackles ‘t all – from Werner von Braun to the Apollo program to new engines – both electric and fusion.”

- New Scientist

From the reviews:

"...I enjoyed the historical descriptions of the contributions of the early rocket pioneers Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Robert Goddard, and Wernher von Braun, as well as the American and Russian manned programs...The book is aimed at the science-literate public, although the material varies in level of detail." (George D. Nelson, PHYSICS TODAY, June 2005)

"At a time when many in the space community have ‘Mars fever’, it seems appropriate to find a book called ‘Expedition Mars’. … it is a book about a manned mission to Mars. … the story retains the reader’s interest and some of the pictures, drawn by NASA artists, are truly inspirational – at least to an engineer. … As a whole, the book is well illustrated with black and white photographs and a centre section of colour plates. There is also a short index." (Mark Williamson, International Space Review, 2005)

"The arrival of this book is very timely … . Any one interested in space exploration or any amateur astronomer will find the book useful … . The book is illustrated by many black and white photographs … ." (Fernande Grandjean, Gary J. Long, Physicalia, Vol. 57 (3), 2004)

"A good companion to Martian Expedition Planning is this new volume in Springer-Praxis’s excellent Astronomy and Space Sciences series. … concerned with activities on the surface of Mars, Turner’s book looks at all aspects of the mission. … as a detailed overview of what’s involved in sending a human mission to Mars, this book would be hard to beat." (Liftoff, Issue: 221,May-June, 2004)

"This is indeed a timely book. … Martin Turner … has produced an excellent text. Expedition Mars examines not only the science and technology: the how’s of spaceflight, but also the why’s. … A few equations where required help explain the physics and chemistry behind the technology, without overwhelming the casual book browser." (Malcolm Smith, Astronomy Now, March, 2005)

"Expedition Mars deals with the concept of a manned mission to Mars. … In reading this book you get a real idea for how challenging such a mission will be … . I enjoyed reading the book. It is easy to read and makes good case for how technically possible a mission to Mars is at the current time. … I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the concept of a mission to Mars … ." (Jeffrey Simpson, Southern Stars, 2004)

"Author-scientist Michael Turner … presents details of the relevant studies conducted by NASA’s Mars Study Team over the past decade or so. … Dr Turner has produced a very timely book that will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in manned planetary exploration. … Go for it." (Colin Keay, The Physicist, Vol. 41 (3), 2004)

"Martin Turner is a scientist at Leicester University … . In this book he makes a powerful case for an early manned expedition to Mars … . the book is well presented … . It provides an excellent introduction to the techniques and technologies involved in a human mission to Mars and I thoroughly recommend it." (Nick James, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 114 (3), 2004)

"In Expedition Mars author Martin turner challenges the reader to expect the next ‘giant leap’ in space exploration may well be human missions towards Mars. He reviews the latest development in rocket propulsion, space flight technology … . This book is a useful summary of the current state of planning and a welcome addition to our growing library of books on Mars." (DaveShayler, Spaceflight, Vol. 46 (7), 2004)

"The book is devoted to a look back at the US’s Cold War-era NERVA nuclear rocket project and a look forward to a successor. Turner does a good job of making the scale of things clear. … A thrill for astronomy buffs … ." (Daniel McBeal, Focus, June, 2004)

"Turner’s … book presents the dream of a Martian voyage, the orbits needed to get there, and the types of launcher (about 200 tons) and propulsion system (nuclear) needed for the for the project. … includes details of a proposed expedition, describing the technical, nuclear, political, and support problems that must be overcome … . Good figures and diagrams … . For Mars flight enthusiasts at senior high school levels and above. Summing Up: Recommended, General readers; lower-division undergraduates through professionals." (W.E. Howard III, CHOICE, June, 2004)

"This book arrives just at the right time with two robotic geologists roving the Martian surface … . the author of this book examines the technical challenges involved, including the problems of life support … . greatly recommend this book for those who would like to bring up to date their knowledge regarding the state of the art in interplanetary travel and exploration." (Noël Cramer, ORION, Vol. 62 (321), 2004)

"The author looks back at the days of the Apollo lunar missions and discusses why, after such a successful programme, the Mars programme just fell by the wayside. … is valuable information and worthwhile acquiring." (Jos Heyman, News Bulletin of the Astronautical Society of Western Australia, Vol. 29 (8), 2004)

"How do you weigh the need for vicarious heroes against the stunning drain on finances if you fly people to Mars? … As preparation for the arguments back and forth about the choice between flying just the mind, or flying its wetware too, Expedition Mars … is a good launch pad for a survey of the technology we have and what we will needto make that expedition a reality." (New Scientist – online, April, 2004)