Why Mars: NASA and the Politics of Space Exploration PDF
Preview Why Mars: NASA and the Politics of Space Exploration
Why Mars New Series in NASA History Why Mars NASA and the Politics of Space Exploration W. Henry Lambright Johns Hopkins University Press Baltimore ©2014 Johns Hopkins University Press All rights reserved. Published 2014 Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Johns Hopkins University Press 2715 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4363 www.press.jhu.edu Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lambright, W. Henry, 1939– Why Mars : NASA and the politics of space exploration / W. Henry Lambright. pages cm — (New series in NASA history) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13:978-1-4214-1279-5 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN-13:978-1-4214-1280-1 (electronic) ISBN-10:1-4214-1279-9 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN-10:1-4214-1280-2 (electronic) 1.Space flight to Mars. 2.Mars (Planet)—Exploration. 3.Astronautics and state—United States. 4.United States—Politics and government. 5.United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. I.Title. TL799.M3L36 2014 629.43'543—dc23 2013028978 A catalog record for this book is available from the British Library. Special discounts are available for bulk purchases of this book. For more informa- tion, please contact Special Sales at 410-516-6936 or [email protected]. Johns Hopkins University Press uses environmentally friendly book materials, including recycled text paper that is composed of at least 30percent post-consumer waste, whenever possible. To Nancy This page intentionally left blank Contents Preface ix Introduction 1 1 The Call of Mars 17 2 Beginning the Quest 27 3 Leaping Forward 34 4 Searching for Life 54 5 Struggling to Restart 70 6 Moving Up the Agenda 90 7 Prioritizing Mars 111 8 Accelerating Mars Sample Return 128 9 Overreaching, Rethinking 148 10 Adopting “Follow the Water” 168 11 Implementing amidst Conflict 188 12 Attempting Alliance 225 13 Landing on Mars and Looking Ahead 244 Conclusion 257 Notes 275 Index 309 This page intentionally left blank Preface In 2006, a conference took place at Syracuse University’s Minnowbrook Cen- ter in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. The focus of the conference was on the “great stories” of humanity, including Greek tales such as Homer’s Odyssey. The conference organizer, Kaye Lindauer, asked me to speak about a contemporary great story, namely, space exploration. The immediate interest of those attending my talk, a cross section of professionals, was the Moon and Apollo, about which I had written. However, it was clear that most also wanted to discuss “what next,” or Mars. I left the conference feeling that Mars would be my next book. I needed resources to accomplish this work. NASA, which celebrated its fif- tieth anniversary in 2008, was interested in having its history told. It opened a competition involving various topics, and I was fortunate to be an awardee. NASA provided funds, but left it to me to do the research and writing without any constraints. I soon commenced research. In undertaking this task, I felt a responsibility not only to examine the past and convey an active present, but also to analyze what it takes to sustain a very long and difficult quest. NASA and its allies have chosen to keep at the Mars endeavor over many decades in spite of ever-shifting political winds. That the program has achieved much in spite of obstacles is testament to the persistence of scientists, engineers, managers, and the political appointees heading NASA. The Mars record has flaws to be sure, and these are chronicled in this work. But, for the most part, the Mars story is remarkable. Exploration is a struggle. Individuals and their institutions have stretched to perform deeds that are daunting. They have been motivated mainly by the lure of Mars and its association with life. This book emphasizes what they have done to formulate missions, establish priorities, and get the funds to accomplish technical miracles. It is thus a politi- cal history of the Mars program. It is about decisions, policy, and power—the push for exploration. It is about leaders behind NASA’s Mars program, and their
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