A Mission to Mars

Just a short while ago, a robot spacecraft called Pathfinder landed on Mars. Others will follow. Will we? Someday, yes. Apollo astronaut Michael Collins here presents his vision of how that manned mission might go.

I believe it will surprise you.

The critical difference between sending people to Mars and what we've done in space so far is the distance involved. Distance translates into time — a year or two away from any safe harbor, any material assistance.

As with any human endeavor, there is ample room for unexpected problems to crop up. Mission control can help with advice. But, in the final analysis, pioneer travelers to the red planet will have to rely on the skills and resources they carry along.

MISSION TO MARS

Michael Collins
New York: Grove Weidenfeld, 1990

ISBN 0-8021-1160-2

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