When are MEN going to Mars?

[cdr6]

Now that all the experts have rung in, I suggest you get intouch with your nearest NASA center (there are 12 sporrted about the country) and ask them what they're they are going to be looking for in the not to distant future. <br /><br />They will give you the best info on what direction(s) to go in. More over they don't bite and actually want to dispense this kind of information. Remenber, while math skills are handy they (NASA) are looking for generalists, not just some body who is gadget good in just one field. A geologist who is well grounded in astronomy has as much chance to be accepted as an engineer (maybe more). <br /><br />The key is to think "double threat" here, be flexible, keep adding to your qualifications. Being a pilots is not necessarily the way to go. But talk to NASA first, then make your plans.

 

[Philotas]

It looks like I`m going to take doctorate in geology; should increase my chances to be able to visit the Moon one day(considering that the geologist Schmitt actually visited the Moon during the Apollo program). <br />But I`m afraid that sinice I`m not American, my odds are extremely small for that I`ll ever set my feet on Mars. Not that my chances would any better if I were.. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[centsworth_II]

<i>"A geologist <font color="yellow">[needs math skills]</font>who is well grounded in astronomy <font color="yellow">[which requires math skills]</font>as as much chance to be accepted as an engineer (maybe more)."/i><br /><br />Face it! Unless you want to work in the PR, housekeeping, food service or personnel department, you'd better get on the ball in math!<br /><br /></i> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

I am crap at maths - failed year 11. Desoite (or because of) that I have a PhD in geology, more than <br />100 professional opublications and do mars research. <br /><br />The importance if maths in many sciences is grossly exaggerated. In fact fir many, other than basic arithmatic and trionometry and algebra it is irrelevant.<br /><br />If you want to argue the point step outside!<br /><br /><img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />Jon <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>

 

[fatal291]

Well this kinda works in with my life, I planned on become a pro wrestler then retireing around in my 30s after all that I'm sure I'd be in shape enough to go into space<br /><br />

 

[vt_hokie]

I'm an aerospace engineer, and I feel like I've forgotten more calculus than I remember! One of the reasons I no longer intend to pursue a graduate degree in engineering is that I just don't feel that I'm strong enough in math. That, and I'm kind of burned out on engineering at this point.

 

[spacefire]

&%$#@! that, I get Math like nobody else, I soared through my MAE, yet I'm stuck in a &%$#@!y job where the only Math is converting from inches to millimeters- and yet they call me an engineer.<br /><br />Tell me about being burned out with engineering.<br /><br />Oh I'm a bit tipsy and in a whiny mood. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[fatal291]

Well not all astronaunts need to know as much right? Some people are for other things i'm sure

 

[cdr6]

The important thing to keep in mind is that all math, advanced or other wise is made up of only four components. Addition, mutliplication, subtraction and division, if you can do those, then you can do it all! <br /><br />Everything above that, is simply a study in applications of those components, (useage). Have a good flight, and bring me back one of those moon rocks.

 

[SpaceKiwi]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>The important thing to keep in mind is that all math, advanced or other wise is made up of only four components. Addition, mutliplication, subtraction and division, if you can do those, then you can do it all!<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br />Spoken like someone who could obviously visualise those sucky 'word problems' that would appear on maths exams in mathematical equation terms. I hated those with an absolute passion. <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /><br /><br />The 'C' I got in Stage I University Algebra had more blood, sweat & tears in it than every other paper I passed put together. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><font size="2" color="#ff0000">Who is this superhero?  Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!</font></em></p><p><em><font size="2">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></em></p><p><font size="5">Bring Back The Black!</font></p> </div>

 

[henryhallam]

<font color="yellow">Addition, mutliplication, subtraction and division, if you can do those, then you can do it all! </font><br /><br />I disagree - some maths certainly requires more creativity than just cranking through the basic operations. I wish there were a systematic way to do some of my examples problems!

 

[centsworth_II]

<font color="yellow">"I am crap at maths - failed year 11... I have a PhD in geology"</font><br /><br />I'm sure you are selling yourself short (about the math, at least<img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />). I'd be interested in knowing what math courses you needed to complete as basic requirements on the way to your PhD. More than the average self-declared "crap at maths" person could handle, I bet.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[jschaef5]

I guess aerobatics would keep you fit to take the g-loads... and quick mindedness. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[lampblack]

<font color="yellow">If they can make a World Team, they can do ANYTHING they set their minds on. <br /><br />That means passing up most other activities to brutally punish yourself in order to be perfect for one four-minute flight that is years away.</font><br /><br />And this points, perhaps, to the most <i>essential</i> trait required for anyone seeking to become an astronaut (or to fill any slot for which only being the best of the best is good enough): you gotta want it. Gotta be a self-starter extraordinaire, in love more with the idea of making the grade than with life itself.<br /><br />Laid-back Type B personalities need not apply. Which, for whatever it's worth, disqualified me years ago. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#0000ff"><strong>Just tell the truth and let the chips fall...</strong></font> </div>

 

[Philotas]

<font color="yellow">I would think that a specialty in northern geology and ice might be a VERY valuable asset, ...and a ticket past a lot of other folks specializing in more temperate climes!</font><br /><br />Yes; and I`m going to study arctic geology in special, and will have some field work on Svalbard; where I believe the MSL team tested out some of the MSL instruments, because of Svalbards similaritys to Mars. <br />So that`s going to be extremely interesting. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[mariecurie]

Too true.<br /><br />Plus, if you want to boost your chances, go win an Olympic gold medal first.<br />The space program always likes favorable PR and if you can bring some of your own notoriety in along with your other credentials...

 

[barrykirk]

Actually, Astronomy is normally a graduate level degree. I don't know of too many schools that offer it at the undergraduate level.<br /><br />One of the best undergraduate degrees to prepare for astronomy is a BS in Physics.

 

[barrykirk]

If you want to be an astronaut, the NAVY, and Air Force would probably be the best route.<br /><br />Yes, the Army does have pilots....Mostly rotary wing aircraft, which can be just as difficult to fly as fighter jets, or so I'm told, but I don't know of too many astronauts that come out of the army.<br /><br />The best schools to go to would be the Naval Acadamy or the Air Force Acadamy or RPI.<br /><br />The reason I suggested RPI is that it graduates more Air Force officers than the Air Force Acadamy and it offers really good degrees in Engineering and Science and they are actually doing some research in the aero space field. Laser based propulsion systems.

 

[rosiegh]

I <i>really</i> dont want to join the armed forces. I do however plan to get my private pilots liscence on a Cessna 172. There is an instruction facility not to far from where I live. Now I just need 6000 dollars. =P

 

[SpaceKiwi]

Good advice, Barry. Under the Shuttle program it seems that CDR's and PLT's come primarily from military backgrounds. If it is important to any of you to be in the driving seats on CEV and beyond, then a military background would seem to be highly advantageous.<br /><br />Another route worth considering is a medical degree, especially if long-duration missions rise in prominence as it appears they will.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><font size="2" color="#ff0000">Who is this superhero?  Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!</font></em></p><p><em><font size="2">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></em></p><p><font size="5">Bring Back The Black!</font></p> </div>

 

[subzero788]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>Another route worth considering is a medical degree, especially if long-duration missions rise in prominence as it appears they will.<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br />thats a good point. You can bet your life that the first Mars mission will have a physician on board! Although I suppose with a limited crew of 4-6 they will expect that doctor, like every other crew member, to be HIGHLY multiskilled!

 

[mikkelrj]

Great thread guys.<br /><br />I have a question that i hope you can clarify for me. I am hoping to catch a ride on the CEV, or at least that is my best chance of getting into space as the situation is right now. I live in Denmark and will begin my study for a BS degree in physics in september. My plan was then to move to Moscow for 5 years to earn a MS and PhD in aerospace engineering. The main reason for doing this would be to learn the language and culture and also gain experience from some of the very talented people over there. There is also an aviation institute connected with the university, so it is possible to train your flying skills while studying. I will be 27 when i finish my PhD in Moscow, so that leaves me with some time to pursue a military aviation career in the US, and maybe working further with my BS in physics. But do you think that living in Russia for 5 years would somehow damage my chance of joining the corpse later? As it is now speaking russian and understanding their culture would be a plus in the space programme, since the ISS cooperation is mainly with the russians, but when the focus shifts from ISS to the moon and mars, maybe that won't be so positive after all. <br /><br />(Sorry for stealing the spotlight Fatal291, it is not my intention to move focus from the original topic)

 

[spacefire]

I think the easiest way to get to Mars is to become a trillionaire mad-genius tycoon and make your own mission. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[BReif]

Astronauts are required to have a specific number of flightr hours on high performace jet aircraft. A Skyhawk just will not do. If you do not join the AF of the Navy, and go with civilian flight training, you will need a privot pilots certificate, muti-engine rating, instrument rating, and a commercial rating, and experience on jet aircraft. That will cost you alot more than $6000.<br /><br />I myself would like to get a recreational pilot's certificate on the C-172, but I know that that is not the most efficent route to the astronaut corp

 

[henryhallam]

I'm not sure how keen the US Air Force will be to accept you as someone born outside of the States, let alone somebody who has been in Russia for the last 5 years. Maybe if you jump through the right immigration hoops? According to the USAF website, "in order to be commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force, one must be a native-born or naturalized United States citizen."