A large facility like the space station could carry plenty of supplies for a small crew. But why not launch automated resupply ships that would arrive at certain points in space the same time as the station? And biological waste isn't such a huge problem -- urine is already recycled into water, and the rest could be jettisoned if needed, as nasty as that is. -- Joe ________________________________ From: william baker <baker464b@yahoo.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 9:41 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Mars exploration Just a thought here, the ion system I could see, and comments about structural integrity is a valid issue as well. My thoughts are more on logistical matters, that being oxygen, food and water for the crew. Not to mention biological waste during the trip. ________________________________ From: Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 6:09 PM Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Mars exploration A question for the group: what is the feasibility of attaching propulsion units to the International Space Station and taking it out of Earth orbit, into Mars orbit, and back again? _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".