SOTE Lecture: Human Limits to Exploring the Red Planet

Human Limits to Exploring the Red Planet
Dr. James A. Pawelczyk, physiologist and former NASA astronaut

Wednesday, May 9 | 7:30pm

A human trip to Mars is planned in the late 2020’s, followed by landing operations in the 2030-2040 timeframe. As designed, the 30-month mission will expose humans to reduced loading; heavy, high-energy ionizing radiation; confinement, and environmental conditions far outside Earth’s boundary conditions. Are the physiological challenges survivable, and surmountable? The answers to these questions will require the thoughtful translation of laboratory science to the extraterrestrial environment, and sound engineering and policy decisions to support these efforts. Dr. Pawelczyk, a physiologist and former astronaut, will highlight knowledge gaps and opportunities for human biologists to help reach the most audacious destination humankind has ever contemplated.

RMSC Members need to Sign In or Register at the top of this page to receive member discounts.