Why a Mission to Mars?
For many people, the technical and intellectual challenge, the sense of adventure, and the excitement engendered by such an ambitious challenge are sufficient reasons to justify undertaking such a task. For others the justification is measured in terms of scientific gains in our knowledge and understanding of exotic places and the intrinsic need to satisfy our curiosity. Some may see Mars as a source of profit and economic gain and still others, a chance to satisfy a deep seated need to explore and pioneer new lands. From a teaching perspective, planning a mission to Mars provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to develop clear conceptual insight into the laws of nature. In our everyday complex lives it is often difficult to distinguish the significant from the trivial, the fundamental from the superfluous, and the essential from the extraneous. A good way to develop a clearer understanding of the natural processes which govern every aspect of our lives is to imagine ourselve
