Are We There Yet?

Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev has set a new record for the most cumulative hours spent in orbit--748 days (a little more than 2 years).

Most scientists estimate that a round-trip human spaceflight to Mars would take at least 2 1/2 to 3 years. One of the key issues regarding such a mission is whether or not humans could physically and psychologically survive such a lengthy period in zero-G.

In the meantime, scientists are waiting to see how long it will take Krikalev to notice that he's not getting any closer to Mars. His reactions will form the basis of a new reality show for next fall.

While you're waiting for a human Mars mission to get underway, you might want to check out this cool alternate history novel by Stephen Baxter. The novel depicts a world in which President Kennedy survived an assassination attempt and the U.S. landed on Mars in the 1980's. The novel is based on actual plans presented to the Nixon administration to follow up the Apollo moon landings with an ambitious program of space exploration. Nixon killed the idea.

Still, I think most people alive today will see a human set foot on Mars within their lifetimes. At least, I hope so. Otherwise, I'm out $5000.