When are MEN going to Mars?

[fatal291]

When will NASA let people know when they will begin searching for astronauts to go to Mars? I am currently 17 but turn 18 later on this year. I've been hearing about going to Mars & back to the Moon for quite awhile. I do not know what it takes to become an astronomer yet but I'm from Richmond Virginia and I plan on going to Hampton sometime soon to learn more there. <br /><br />With the training it takes will I even be able to go at my age? I realize that the rovers are analyzing the atmosphere and conditions for the future mission and I would have thought if we we're still going within my life time training would have began by now or something. Does anyone here know anything?

 

[spacefire]

I think your should aim higher than being an astronaut or an astronomer (terms which you appear to be using interchangeably). I know you ahve what it takes become a Shift Manager at your local Fast Food Outlet. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[henryhallam]

Spacefire, that was rude and totally unnecessary.<br /><br />Fatal291, an astronaut is a person who flies in space while an astronomer does research of some kind into astronomical phenomena that are (mostly) a very long way away, everything from distant stars to nebulae and the motion of galaxies - all much further than any astronauts could hope to visit in the next few centuries.<br /><br />Although the current plans (look up "Vision for Space Exploration", "Exploration Systems Architecture Study") have the long-term goal of Mars in mind, nothing firm has been decided about the date or even the particular "mission mode" (the equipment and the manner in which the mission will operate). The focus has mainly been on a return to the Moon as a more short-term goal, currently the target date is 2018 for the first human landing on the Moon since the Apollo missions 35 years ago. This may seem like a long way off but it is not a race like the '60s, the intention is to develop skills, experience and most of all a reliable infrastructure which can later be extended to Mars missions.<br /><br />With that in mind I would say - excluding major world wars or serious political disruption - you can expect the first manned Mars landing in the 2030 to 2040 timeframe. Astronauts currently serving, and others who will join the Office in the near future will be involved in developing the programme, though the missions themselves will likely be flown by men and women who have been accepted some time in the 2020s while the lunar missions are ongoing. Astronauts receive a lot of general training throughout their careers - and a lot of this is "self taught". As the time nears and the different spacecraft get closer to being realised, the training will begin to focus on specific skills, but very mission-specific training will take place as late as the last couple of years leading up to flight.<br /><br />If you are physically fit, motivated enough to dedicate your life to this goal, sufficient

 

[CalliArcale]

I answered this in the thread you started in one of the other forums, so I won't repeat it all here. But I do have one additional thing to add. You should expect to spend a lot of time building up the neccesary skills before applying. 18 is too young. It may seem ironic, but you'll be past your physical prime before you're likely to become an astronaut. This is because most astronauts have multiple advanced degrees, and it takes many years to get those. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> Plus, you'll sit on the bench for years after that while the more senior astronauts get the better assignments. NASA tries to make sure everybody gets a turn, but with so few Shuttle missions lately, it's a challenge.<br /><br />The youngest space flier ever was Gherman Titov, who flew Vostok 2 at the tender age of 23. The next-youngest was Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. The early Soviet cosmonaut corps tended towards young, nimble fighter pilots. They had few requirements for piloting in reality, so it didn't take much experience. But they had to be able to tolerate the environment and experienced high-altitude parachute jumpers. As the program matured, the cosmonauts started getting older as they demanded more technical expertise of them. American astronauts have always been older than that, but now it seems pretty normal to have an astronaut's first flight occur past the age of 40. So don't fret that you're not an astro yet. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> It will take time. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[BReif]

Perhaps one of the best areas to focus on in your college years is engineering, and possibly Air Force or Navy ROTC, with the hope of pursueing military aviation. This, I think, would take you several steps in the direction of becoming an astronaut. As far as astronomy, I think that most astronomy will end up being done remotely, using robotically driven instruments powered by a PC in labrotory on earth. It is nothing like ametuer astronomy, much more than just looking at astromonical objects, but is heavily involved in physics, and quantum mechanics, these days. I think an engineering degree, and a military aviation background are your best bets.

 

[john_316]

Well I agree with you Calli I would like to point out a couple of things for those Astronauts and those dreaming of being Astronauts and want to fly the mission or command one.<br /><br />With the Shuttle going bye-bye this is what I would offer this 17 year old at the moment. Don't just settle for Mission Specialist on a trip to space unless it's your first. LOL <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> Think Big!!!<br /><br />1. Become a pilot with the Navy or Air Force and be the best you can be. Even do a tour with Aggressor sqaudrons if you can. Make sure you reach Captain/Commander or above 0-3+. Build your Resume with the Military flight schools and flight hours and qualifications on various aircraft.<br /><br />2. Get a your degree (hopefully AF Academy or Naval Academy or ROTC) program in a science field and continue to work on your Masters or Doctorate in your chosen fields. <br /><br />3. Get plenty of flight hours and keep in shape.<br /><br />4. Think about life in general and do start a family and have kids. Don't let the Astronaut thing take all your focus. Think beyond the Dream because unless your in the program for eons you will need a follow up career.<br /><br />5. Goto church and have faith in God. Hes your Co-pilot even if you are the pilot or co-pilot of a jet or space vehicle. I dont think I know very many pilots (counts on one hand) who dont have faith or believe in God.<br /><br />6. When your around 30 or older or 04+ start applying to the Astronaut Corps. You want a Resume that looks good and dont be afraid to make friends with Astronauts and Astronaut canidates. You never know what doors will open for you.<br /><br />7. Be patient and keep focused but dont let the Astronaut thing get you down if you dont make the Corps the first time around. I believe the Corps will get larger here in a few years.<br /><br />8. Be confident but be humble. Things will happen if you try and wait. Patience is a Virtue. Make friends, good friends. Stay away from the party scene.<b></b>

 

[vt_hokie]

With NASA wasting billions on an antiquated system that will carry fewer people than the shuttle and fly just as infrequently, there won't be many slots for NASA astronauts. Look to the private companies like Virgin Galactic for a more realistic shot at flying into space.

 

[fatal291]

this is all great advice!

 

[priusguy]

<b>With NASA wasting billions on an antiquated system that will carry fewer people than the shuttle and fly just as infrequently, there won't be many slots for NASA astronauts. Look to the private companies like Virgin Galactic for a more realistic shot at flying into space. </b><br /><br />That may be true -- but you would still want to become an Air Force or Navy pilot first. Companies like Virgin Galactic will have a lot fewer job slots than candidates for a long time, and will be able to be choosy. A former combat pilot is about the best candidate.

 

[fatal291]

So I have to join the army?..obviously not one of my favored options.. but meh

 

[kdavis007]

I think in 2018 we will be prepraring to send humans to Mars....

 

[shyningnight]

You wil also need better reading comprehension skills <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br />Not the ARMY... <br />The Air Force or Navy. The better fixed wing figher programs are in the Navy and Air Force.<br /><br />To start nearer term;<br />If you're not getting A's in Math and Science, start immediately.<br />Take the most advanced classes in both your school offers. Get A's.<br />Take part in science and math fairs.<br /><br />Read a lot about space, science, math, biology and chemistry on your own time. Develop good writing skills.<br />All these areas of education will serve you well in your longer term quest.<br /><br />When I was in high school, I made the mistake of taking a couple non-honors english and math courses.... took me 2 years of junior college to "catch up" to be able to transfer to a 4 year school. (I ended up going in a different direction anyway...).<br /><br />Best of luck to you, sir!<br />Paul F.<br />

 

[vt_hokie]

Yeah, you pretty much have to have a Ph.D. and a very impressive resume to have a chance as a civilian.

 

[fatal291]

I'm crap in math.. thanks anyways lol

 

[jschaef5]

I am not sure how much longer the airforce will need pilots <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Airforce soon to be renamed to UnmannedAirForce... I shall declare their new saying: "The UAF using the UAVs to blow you up!"<br /><br />But anyways some people above have given an estimate of 2030-2040 for man to moon/mars. I would say it might be a little less. I'd bet more on like 2023 to 2028, but i wouldn't bet money on it... And i can't even tell you who will be there then, USA, ESA, china, japan, india, burt rutan? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[fatal291]

Yeah well that depends if Iran spoils it for everyone or not.

 

[centsworth_II]

<font color="yellow">"I'm crap in math.."</font><br /><br />This is the last straw. If you don't work hard enough to <b>become</b> good in math, forget it, you are not cut out to be an astronaut. If you want to fantasize about going into space your best bet is getting really rich -- in a way that does not involve being good at math -- and buying a ticket. Sorry, I don't think tickets to Mars will be available in your lifetime but the Moon package should be available. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[priusguy]

<b>I am not sure how much longer the airforce will need pilots <br /><br />Airforce soon to be renamed to UnmannedAirForce... I shall declare their new saying: "The UAF using the UAVs to blow you up!" </b><br /><br />I find it rather amusing that USAF allows only qualified pilots, all of them officers of course, to control UAV's, whereas Army trains privates for a few months and they are good to go! Okay, it is very intensive few months, and these privates must be good at math and physics <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />, but still... The fact is, Army treats UAV's as <i>weapons</i> -- to be used by anyone with appropriate skills, -- while USAF treats them as <i>planes</i>, subject to the entire culture which grew up around flying planes. A fighter jock general would choke himself to death before he allows some enlisted computer jockey with glasses to fly anything. Which is their loss, because it takes over $1 million to train a pilot -- and Army (and USMC) is demonstrating that one can fly a UAV, even an armed one, without wings on the chest and bars on the shoulders.

 

[priusguy]

BTW, when I first saw the title of this thread, my immediate thought was: "As soon as there are hot women there!"

 

[rosiegh]

Glad someone brought this topic up. I have wanted to be an astronaut since I was 10. I'm 17 now and working as hard as I can to acheive my goal. I plan to go into bioengineering. I'm assuming thats a good field of study for someone who wants to become and astronaut, and its something Im truly passionate about. The thin gI'm worried about is the medical examinations. Far as I know Im perfectly healthy, but Ive never undergone anything more than a sports physical. Guess theres no real sense in worrying about somthing outside of my control.<br /><br />Anyways, just joined. Glad to be here.

 

[CalliArcale]

Oooh, that is a good field! Although I should warn you, they may want you more on the ground, developing stuff for them. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> Of course, many mission specialist astronauts start out that way, working on the ground, including some of the most experienced spacefarers. The world's most experienced spacefarer, cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, got into the career through his job as an aerospace engineer at the Energia design bureau. He's still employed by them, actually, which also makes him one of the best paid cosmonauts; the military ones are stuck with military salaries. Of course, one of his hobbies helped him out a lot as well: he's an amateur aerobatic pilot. Almost all astronauts and cosmonauts have significant experience behind the stick or yoke of an airplane. Some are also experimental airplane enthusiasts, and that's a good bonus for a resume, since it requires both engineering and piloting skills. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em>  -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>

 

[henryhallam]

<font color="yellow"><br />I'm crap in math.. thanks anyways lol </font><br /><br />Then I'm afraid you will have to get a LOT better or give up.

 

[centsworth_II]

It looks like spacefire may be right after all. Someone who thinks math can be laughed off is more likely to rise in the fast food ranks than the astronaut corps. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[n_kitson]

Good thread. It's great to see that there are still young people interested in becoming astronauts. Persue your dream!<br /><br />Now, to answer your question: "When are MEN going to Mars?"<br />Answer: A few years AFTER WOMEN go to Mars! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[rosiegh]

"Now, to answer your question: "When are MEN going to Mars?"<br />Answer: A few years AFTER WOMEN go to Mars!"<br /><br />Definately. Maybe I'll be the first. lol