Packing for Mars

Discussion Paper Week #1

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void

By Mary Roach

Due: Monday, 3 October

Respond to the following prompts. If there is more than one prompt per chapter, you may chose just one. In your response reference statements by Roach and cite page numbers. Limit your response per question to ~50 words/prompt. Use your best English please. Prepare your responses in MS Word. You may submit your responses as hard copy or as an attachment to an email to ChrisM.Flanagan@gmail.com.

Countdown

· In this introductory piece, Mary Roach states: “Space exploration is in some ways an exploration of what it means to be human.” Elaborate. Offer some examples of what she means by this.

1. He’s Smart but his Birds are Sloppy: Japan Picks an Astronaut

· Briefly explain the evolution of style of astronauts from the early Mercury program to the U. S. Space Shuttle and ISS program.

2. Life in a Box: The Perilous Psychology of Isolation & Confinement

· Define “maladaptive symptomology.” What is the challenge with recognizing it in astronauts?

· Compare/contrast the conditions termed “irrational antagonism” and “displacement” behavior.

3 Star Crazy: Can Space Blow Your Mind

· Does Roach agree or disagree with the idea that space can blow your mind? Relate some of her arguments or findings.

4. You Go First: The Alarming Prospect of Life Without Gravity

· Offer an explanation for the misnomer “zero gravity”.

· Briefly restate the evolution of weightlessness studies using the V-2 and the C-9.