ke4roh's Journal: Mars Exploration Rover - Comments Due Today

NASA has put together another pair of rovers reminiscent of Sojourner, the little Mars buggy we all watched cruise around in July of 1997. It brought us stereo images from Mars and plenty of information on its rocks. The new rovers are designed to last longer and offer some improved instruments for the next exploration. Read about the Mars Exploration Rover project here.

Scientists propose to keep the electronics from freezing by means of some radioisotope heater units (RHU) combined with some electric heaters. Each rover's 11 RHU's would collectively contain 1 ounce of plutonium (Pu-238) and provide about 11 watts of heat from the radioactive decay. The RHU's together would then contribute 365 Curies. A couple of other instruments would use tiny radioactive samples for calibration or experiments (much like your smoke alarm's Americium), adding another 0.4 curies. NASA's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) says "RHUs are designed to contain the plutonium dioxide during normal operations and under a wide range of accident environments. The integrity and durability of RHUs have been well documented by the U.S. Department of Energy."

People have been invited to comment, and comment they have. Bruce Gagnon, of the Global Netowrk Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space wrote a lengthy comment in which he describes a military development agenda buried within the scientific mission. Gagnon has been party to suits against NASA in the past.

Tony Rusi wrote a thoughtful reply to Mr. Gagnon's comment.

Please, look over the materials and take a moment to write today (the last day they're accepting comments) expressing your support for the program as outlined in the EIS. Send your comments to [e-mail].