NASA
Mission Possible:
The Race to Mars
An Interview With
Dr. Jim Rice
By: Robert Seuferer
The mission is a go. Tee minus 5, 4, 3, 2…. lift-off. The
ground trembles as flames thunder out beneath the
rocket, instantly engulfing it in a wall of fire and smoke.
The entire night sky glows orange as the mighty engines
rumble through the surrounding marsh and bog lands.
The massive ship begins to inch its way from Earth
ever so slowly. The stabilization arm flings back as the
rocket burns 3,357 gallons (12,710 liters) of propellant
every second at full throttle delivering incredible thrust.
The G-force is incredible as the Astronauts make their
way farther and farther from Earth in a bid to escape
its gravitational pull. 160,000,000 horsepower are
pushing the rocket into space. Its nearly the size of a
football field.
High on top of the rocket, sits a small capsule. It’s
only big enough for a handful of people. Inside, the
vibration caused by the liftoff is so great, the Astronauts
physically can’t see any of the control panels. The
G-force is incredible as they make their way into the
clouds. 160,000,000 horsepower are pushing the
capsule into space. Lights are flashing as the control
panel beeps. Everything comes down to their training
and their support team at mission control. One thing is
certain, they are on the ride of their life. The G-force
reaches incredible levels, as they make their way into
the clouds. 160,000,000 horsepower are pushing the
capsule into space. The light from the engine is so
bright, it can be seen for miles.
Why would these few men and women risk their
lives? What is so important that they would go to
such extremes?
"Mars is not just a destination, but rather our destiny
in terms of human exploration and settlement off
Earth." Dr. Jim Rice
It’s not a question of if humans will go to Mars, it’s a
question of “When will we go?”