Breakdown Forces New Look At Mars Mission Sexuality

FloatsomNJetsom writes "Popular Mechanics has up an interesting story, discussing what the long-term implications of the Lisa Nowak incident could mean for Mars Mission crew decisions: With a 30-month roundtrip, that isn't the sort of thing you'd want to happen in space. Scientists have been warning about the problems of sex on long-term spaceflight, and experts are divided as to whether you want a crew of older married couples, or asexual unitard-wearing eunuchs. The point the article makes specifically is that NASA's current archetype of highly-driven, task-oriented people might be precisely the wrong type for a Mars expedition. In addition scientists may use genomics or even functional MRI in screening astronauts, in addition to facial-recognition computers to monitor mental health during the mission." Maybe observers could just deploy the brain scanner to keep track of them?

Comments

*Chuckle*

[MyLongNickName]

Let's have Slashdot solve a problem revolving around human sexual relationships. I can't think of three words more "anti-slashdot" than that ;)

Re:*Chuckle*

[Xzzy]

Based on the article ('socially adept introverts' and 'high toleration for lack of achievement'), I'd think Slashdot is an excellent screening tool for finding people suitable for a Mars mission.

Re:*Chuckle*

[ozbird]

"Asexual 'tards running Unix" - isn't that the Slashdot stereotype? *ducks*

Simple

[markov_chain]

Recruit the astronauts from among the slashdot readers. They won't have a problem going a couple of years without sex. You can't miss what you don't know!

There are sexy missionaries on Mars?

[Timesprout]

Why was I not informed of this earlier? Suddenly I feel the need to go and preach to the heathen martians.

Re:Movie deal

[thisIsNotMyName]

I suggest this story be tagged with as 'spaceballs'.

polar opposite

[Gary W. Longsine]

"NASA's current archetype of highly-driven, task-oriented people might be precisely the wrong type for a Mars expedition"

OK, the opposite of this would be laid-back herb-toking free-love hippies. While it's true that such folk will be disinclined to kill each other in a jealous rage, but they are also not likely to be inclined to get into a tin can with no weed for three years and walk around on Mars collecting rocks they won't even get to keep or sell on EBay.

Ensuring 30 months with no sex?

[blankoboy]

Just pile some PC's onboard preloaded with WOW. This will 100% ensure that no sex will take place. Other side effects include 0 mission objectives accomplished though. They would land at their destination and never get out of the ship. =)

Re:Submariners

[MyLongNickName]

Then I suggest an all female crew, plus me... as ... um... an independent observer. Yeah, that's it.

Re:Maybe...

[FireFlie]

Or to send only girls..... and a webcam.

Re:Submariners

[Gerocrack]

I saw that one on cinemax, I think

Re:Maybe...

[Stickerboy]

>Or to send only girls..... and a webcam.

I think you just solved NASA's chronic funding shortages! Brilllliant!