D
DarkenedOne
Guest
There seems to be rift between the human space flight department of NASA and the robotic departments of NASA. It is very unproductive because the programs can and should complement each other.
Robots are the best ways to conduct the initial stages of space exploration and development. Orbiters like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter should do initial surface recon. Small, expendable, and inexpensive robots can be used to scout areas of interest for a human mission. Robots can evaluate potential sites for useful materials. They can even set up a landing pad and test in-situ tech.
For example, a robotic mission can be sent to mars to test the sabatier reaction for local production of rocket fuel. A robotic mission can be sent to the lunar surface to evaluate the amount and consistency of water there.
We can advance future manned exploration by testing these new technologies and evaluating local resources.
The question why are we not doing it.
Robots are the best ways to conduct the initial stages of space exploration and development. Orbiters like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter should do initial surface recon. Small, expendable, and inexpensive robots can be used to scout areas of interest for a human mission. Robots can evaluate potential sites for useful materials. They can even set up a landing pad and test in-situ tech.
For example, a robotic mission can be sent to mars to test the sabatier reaction for local production of rocket fuel. A robotic mission can be sent to the lunar surface to evaluate the amount and consistency of water there.
We can advance future manned exploration by testing these new technologies and evaluating local resources.
The question why are we not doing it.