January 8, 2021 1:24 f ET
David W. Brown’s “Mars or Bust” (Review, December 19) reads: Mars is the next real destination for humans in space exploration. Over the past 20 years, NASA’s Mars Exploration Program has transformed our understanding of the planet’s vast rivers and oceans, their ability to support life in the past or present, and their ability to support given to human researchers. Human-scale entry and entry systems are the only real technological problem left, but Mars Science Laboratory’s systems of curiosity and perseverance have moved us a long way, and with pinpoint landing they can be the lines revised by the explorer. The first round-trip mission to another planet, to collect and return earth samples from Mars, is underway.
The past commitment of an organization and management to send people to Mars has been strong, from extensive survey teams making operational roadmaps, to posters and slogans with little content. Lunar programs to enable Mars are largely attracting attention. No technologies for Mars require a display at the moon; lying on a moon without air has no effect on the systems needed for planetary atmosphere. The moon may be an interesting commercial destination, but not for the next generation of explorers. Mars is the next big step in human exploration, inspiring the public, spouting new global partnerships, creating incredible technological results, and uniting us by pushing closer to being. Replies “Are we alone?” in this vast universe of planets. NASA must deliver the financial and leadership promises to humans on earth by 2040, and avoid distractions. The Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs prove that we can do this, so let ‘s continue with it!
J. Douglas McCuistion
Lothian, Md.
Mr. McCuistion was a director, NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, 2004-12.