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The Dusty Concern for the Mission to Mars

eldavojohn writes "Astronauts sent to the red planet may find much of their job involving the task of dusting off their equipment and suits. The president says we're going there but the dusty planet has some obstacles and uncertainties for engineers because we don't have a sample of Martian dust. Is it toxic? Will it conduct electricity and short circuits? Will astronauts suffer from the triboelectric effect? How large is the average grain? Will humans be allergic to it? Will sinuses jeopardize a mission? Will a dust storm stop a take off and return flight? So many uncertainties from something as simple as dust but one thing is clear — we need samples!"

3 of 174 comments (clear)

  1. Dear Senate Judiciary Committe: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    18 U.S.C. Sec. 1505 : ... Whoever corruptly ... influences, obstructs, or impedes ... the due and proper exercise of the power of inquiry under which any inquiry or investigation is being had by either House, or any committee of either House or any joint committee of the Congress ... [s]hall be fined under this title, [or] imprisoned not more than 5 years ... or both.

    18 U.S.C. Sec. 1515(b): As used in section 1505, the term "corruptly" means acting with an improper purpose, personally or by influencing another, including ... withholding, [or] concealing ... information.

  2. Bush Wants Surge to Mars! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
  3. Go To Mars With The Army You Have by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Astronauts sent to the red planet may find much of their job involving the task of dusting off their equipment and suits. The president says we're going there

    It is common wisdom that the AK-47 performs better than the M-16 in dusty and sandy conditions.