Future Mars Missions & Societal Issues

Julia Kahmann-Robinson PhD and Marjorie Chan PhD, University of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics

Summary

This learning module and related exercises will expose students the issues of space exploration and the other NASA-partnering agencies and institutions as well as private companies engaged in space-related technology.

Learning Goals

Become aware of NASA partnering agencies and private companies engaged in space-related technology
Design a mission and experience the panel review/decision process

Context for Use

This particular module does not apply any earth analog approaches, but rather exposes students to the philosophy and ethics of privatized vs. government-funded research programs.

Description and Teaching Materials

In-Class Activity

In-Class Activity 1: Manned-Space Flight: Is it needful?
In-Class Activity 2: Space flight going private

Homework/Lab

Homework 1: Mission to Mars-Student/Team Project

Teaching Notes and Tips

In-Class Activities are meant to be instructor-guided without the use of worksheets (although provided) in a discussion format. The Image File, found in Resources, associated with this teaching module should allow ease of implementation in this modality.
In the Instructor version, answers (where applicable) are show [in red]. The Instructor Version, presented here online, has answers in [brackets]. A Student Version is not necessary for this module at this time.
For Homework 1: Mission to Mars make sure all topics are covered that will allow students to be successful prior to the project deadline.
Provide students the Mission to Mars Rubric early in the term so they can prepare for what will be graded.
Become aware of the issues yourself before engaging in a discussion with students regarding privatization.

Assessment

Each In-Class Activity and Homework has its own measure of Assessment.

References and Resources

Instructor Version here: Issues of Space Exploration Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 120kB Oct31 12)
Mission to Mars Rubric (Acrobat (PDF) 56kB Oct16 12)
Space X Press Release (Acrobat (PDF) 177kB Oct16 12)
Manned-Space flight News Article (find most recent): http://www.science20.com/brinstorming/near_future_manned_spaceflight-93648
NASA Human Space Flight Goals: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/626738main_HEOMD2012Goals.pdf
NASA roadmap for Astrobiology: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/
Space-X CEO Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPJsI8pl8Q&feature=related
Space X's Dragon spacecraft docking with the ISS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwDCWTqNceQ&feature=player_embedded

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