Today, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space held a hearing titled, “Next Steps to Mars: Deep Space Habitats.” Deep space habitats are one critical element needed to achieve the goal of sending humans to Mars. This hearing focused on both the challenges and opportunities related to the development of habitats for deep space, as well as the importance of public interest in Mars and the humans-to-Mars goal.
This is the second subcommittee hearing held this year to discuss resources and strategies necessary for humans to reach Mars. Previous conversations have focused on budgetary issues, the need for a plan, and the need to ensure sustainability in following proposed plans.
Ranking Member Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) said in her opening statement, “Getting humans to Mars will require much more than overcoming the technical challenges of developing habitation systems; it will require national commitment, sustained support, and resources over multiple decades. Public excitement, anticipation, and engagement in sending humans to Mars will also play an important role in determining the extent to which the nation prioritizes this goal.”
Witnesses and Members discussed the technical challenges related to habitat development including protections from space radiation and approaches for developing, building, and deploying habitats. They also reiterated the importance of a committed vision for human exploration of Mars as important for the successful execution of developing a deep space habitat and other needed systems.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her statement for the record, “There are many other critical capabilities needed, as well, before we can send humans to explore Mars. Advances in propulsion, the ability to land large payloads on Mars, and development of a Mars ascent vehicle that can safely return crew from the surface of Mars back to Earth are just a few of the technological challenges that I hope the Subcommittee will explore in future hearings.”
Witnesses:
Mr. Jason Crusan, Director, Advanced Exploration Systems, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA
Mr. John Elbon, Vice President and General Manager, Space Exploration, Boeing Defense, Space, and Security, The Boeing Company
Ms. Wanda Sigur, Vice President and General Manager, Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Mr. Frank Culberston, Vice President and General Manager, Propulsion Systems, Orbital ATK
Mr. Andy Weir, Author, The Martian
