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First Man To Mars?

Posted by michael on from the not-val-kilmer dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Lee Goldberg posted this story which he says is "...the true story of how I sent the first interplanetary necro-cosmonaut to Mars." An entertaining read."

1 of 145 comments (clear)

  1. Re:How serious is this article? by Prestomeco · · Score: 3, Informative

    Good observation. The story is that since Mars Obsrver was not intended to land on Mars, it was excempted from the rigorous sterilization process that Viking, Sojurner, and other landers are required to undergo in observance of a United Nations protocol. We (GE and JPL) were however, required to file a "Planetary Protection Plan" which described how the program intended to guarantee we would keep Mars Observer out of contact with the Martian biosphere for several thousand years at minimum. If I recall properly, the plan includes a provision to re-boost the craft to a "safe" orbit in which it will not decay for a long time after its operational mission is completed. If you want details, I can put you in touch with the fellow who wrote the actual plan.