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The Vision for Space Exploration
As a primary research and development center for NASA, Glenn has
made significant contributions human space programs such as Apollo,
the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. As NASA
moves forward to fulfill The Vision for Space Exploration, Glenn
is focusing efforts related to Space Exploration Systems the areas
of space power, propulsion, communications and microgravity and
biomedical sciences.
In 2005, NASA will continue to bring the Vision for Space Exploration
to reality by returning the Space Shuttle safely to flight, continuing
International Space Station expeditions, sending another spacecraft
to Mars and developing the technologies needed to further explore
the Earth, Moon, Mars and beyond. Join us at the Visitor Center
as we continue our popular 'Third Saturday' special event series
and learn more about planned robotic and human exploration of
the solar system.
'Into the Cosmos'
With a minimum of two lunar missions per year, momentum will build
quickly toward a permanent outpost. Crews will stay longer and
learn to exploit the moon's resources, while landers make one
way trips to deliver cargo. Eventually, the new system could rotate
crews to and from a lunar outpost every six months.
Planners are already looking at the lunar south pole as a candidate
for an outpost because of concentrations of hydrogen thought to
be in the form of water ice, and an abundance of sunlight to provide
power.
These plans give NASA a huge head start in getting to Mars. We
will already have the heavy-lift system needed to get there, as
well as a versatile crew capsule and propulsion systems that can
make use of Martian resources. A lunar outpost just three days
away from Earth will give us needed practice of "living off the
land" away from our home planet, before making the longer trek
to Mars.
As President Bush said when he announced the Vision for Space
Exploration, "Humans are headed into the cosmos." Now we know
how we'll get there.
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