(Dr. Lú) “Senator, I would take exception with the phrase, ‘proved conclusively,’ as the ‘proof’ was anything but conclusive. There is in fact no proof that the Streptococcus mitis found on the Surveyor 3 camera upon its return to Earth was in fact present on the camera at launch. There were two occasions following retrieval in which the camera was very possibly contaminated. First, following retrieval by the Apollo 12 crew, the camera was placed in a non-airtight nylon bag and subjected to the atmosphere – which the Apollo 12 crew was breathing – in both the lunar and the command modules. Second, NASA admits that an instrument used to scrape samples for analysis from the camera was subjected to a non-sterile environment during the process. As such, it is very likely the Surveyor 3 camera was contaminated either during its return trip to Earth or, more likely, during the analysis itself.
“Nevertheless, though the Surveyor 3 example is dubious, at best, that certainly does not rule out the possibility of long-term bacterial survival in space. Indeed, NASA’s Long Duration Exposure Facility demonstrated that spores of Bacillus subtilis are capable of surviving completely unprotected in space for at least six years, albeit with an attrition rate on the order of four magnitudes or more.
“Thus, in response to your question, yes, both forward and backward contamination are theoretically possible. Indeed, as I noted previously, if we are to pursue manned exploration of Mars, forward contamination is, in the final analysis, unavoidable and inevitable. However, in my opinion, the question of backward contamination is less a function of the likelihood that microbial organisms can survive in space, and more a question of are there any organisms there to bring back? And it is our intention to spend a year and a half on the planet answering that very question, first hand.”
(Sen. Ellis) “So are we to understand that a substantial portion of your mission will involve the search for life on Mars?”
(Dr. Lú) “Not in so many words. Our collective opinion is that life on Mars does not exist, at least not on the surface where we will be. Thus a ‘search’ for life, per se, we believe frankly to be a waste of time and effort, not to mention money. Nevertheless, as we will not be returning samples to Earth, we will of course thoroughly analyze many, many samples in situ, both for geologic and biologic properties.”
(Sen. Ellis) “And if you do find something?”
(Dr. Lú) “At present, that is a question I cannot answer, Senator. It would depend on what we found. One step at a time.”
(Sen. Ellis) “But you do acknowledge that discovery of some life form on Mars that might present a serious hazard to Earth could spell your doom?”
(Dr. Lú) “Of course. Senator, the exploration of space is a risky business. This is only one of many, many potential problems that might prevent our safe return to Earth. However, were any of us unwilling to accept that risk, I am confident we would not be sitting here today. In any case, we agree that our lives would be a pitifully small price to pay for the knowledge that Mars is dangerous and mankind should think twice about going back. Honestly Senator, we have no burning desire to become martyrs; we really would like to come back. But if conditions on Mars necessitate a ‘Danger: Keep Off’ sign, we’re perfectly willing to be the ones to post it, even if it means lying dead at the foot of it for the rest of eternity.”
(Sen. Stoddard) “Thank you. Like Senator Grayson, I too applaud the courage of all of you, though I fear it may be foolishly misplaced. Senator Sullivan.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “Thank you Madam Chairman. Dr. Frederick, you noted previously that your goal this coming December is to conduct four simultaneous launches and, presumably as many or more two years hence. Don’t you think that many launches in such a short time frame might tax launch facilities beyond safe limits?”
(Dr. Frederick) “No, Senator, I do not. First, we don’t intend to conduct four simultaneous launches. The launch window extends from December 7th through December 15th and, weather permitting, our intention is to conduct one launch on the 7th and the remaining three on the 13th through 15th. Only one pad will see two launches, Atlas Vs. Further, once the vehicles clear the gantry, they will be handed over to our own Mission Control, with no additional services required beyond radar tracking for about one and a half hours through the orbital coast phase, and the upper stage reignites and inserts the payload into a trans-Mars trajectory.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “You have your own Mission Control? You won’t need Houston?”
(Dr. Frederick) “That is correct, Senator.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “Where is your Mission Control?”
(Dr. Frederick) “At our facility in Newport, Rhode Island.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “What about communications? I presume you will require the services of the Deep Space Network.”
(Dr. Frederick) “Indeed we will. However, during the transit phase, all payloads will be grouped together, comparatively close, in space terms, and should require nothing more than pointing an antenna at them once a day for a systems update. The same will hold true once we are actually on the planet. This should present only the most minor of inconveniences to the DSN.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “What about when you are landing all these payloads on Mars? Won’t you require several days of uninterrupted DSN support?”
(Dr. Frederick) “We’ll certainly take it if we can get it, but it’s unnecessary. All our landers are equipped to communicate with one another, as well as our Mars-based TACAN site, and are equipped with artificial intelligence software programs that will give each lander the ability to ‘learn’ from the experience of the ones that have gone before. Thus, each successive lander will possess the cumulative navigational, atmospheric and surface condition data obtained through previous landings. We really only need to land the first one, the rest can take care of themselves.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “And you are confident all this is going to work as designed?”
(Dr. Frederick) “We are, Senator. We have run the entire sequence from initial launch to final landing through literally thousands of simulations, throwing everything at it but the kitchen sink. Barring mechanical failures, it will work.”
(Sen. Sullivan) “Thank you Dr. Frederick. Captain Grey, this appears to be an extremely ambitious but very well thought out operation. Still, don’t you think you might be better off waiting a few years until a much heavier lift launch vehicle is available to simplify matters and potentially reduce the cost?”
(Capt. Grey) “That would certainly be nice. However, Senator, in my opinion your assessment of ‘a few years’ is overly optimistic. Space Launch System, Atlas V phases 1 and 2, Falcon Heavy, have all experienced substantial developmental delays and continue to do so, owing to the cost of development and, more to the point, the lack of demand. Indeed, as you are no doubt aware, there is much discussion going on right now within the government and NASA about whether or not to even proceed with the SLS.
“A launch vehicle that can lift 125 metric tons, or more, into low Earth orbit is entirely unnecessary for ISS support or launching any conceivable satellite. Further, the International Space Station’s days are numbered. The only practical application for such a heavy lift vehicle is manned exploration of the moon and beyond. And until such time as there is a firm commitment to that, no one seems to have any real motivation to spend that kind of R&D money. That said, ULA has indicated that an Atlas V phase 2 may be available for our second launch sequence in 2016. But for now, they’re understandably noncommittal. At present, the Falcon Heavy is it, and there are very few of them available. As such and for the present, in the absence of any viable alternative we plan to go with what exists now. And that being the case, there is no point in delaying the mission.”
(Sen. Stoddard) “Thank you. Senator Fairchild?”
(Sen. Fairchild) “Thank you Madam Chairman. Mr. Grey, I don’t mind saying that I’m a bit skeptical about your ability to pull all this off. You are not a professional astronaut, in fact, you’re not an astronaut at all. You’re a self-proclaimed
CEO of an aerospace firm you created. What qualifies you to lead such an ambitious and dangerous venture?”
(Capt. Grey) “Well, Senator, It’s my mission and I’m signing the checks.”
(Sen. Fairchild) “And this government and the American people are supposed to put their faith in that?”
(Capt. Grey) “Senator, I fail to see what the government or the American people have to do with it. This is an entirely private venture; funded, organized and led by me – not NASA, not Congress, not the American people.”
(Sen. Fairchild) “Mr. Grey, perhaps you don’t understand. The government owns space. For that matter, the government owns Mars. You don’t make the rules, we do.”
(Capt. Grey) “Senator, first of all, there are 190-something other independent nations on this planet that might take exception with your position. Second, the United States government derives its authority from our Constitution, which I have read. And Senator, I don’t recall seeing either ‘space’ or ‘Mars’ mentioned. The United States government has unquestioned jurisdiction over U.S. airspace, but I doubt there are many that would argue that envelope extends upwards to the far side of the universe. Besides, Senator, as the Earth rotates, that area would change by the second.”
(Sen. Fairchild) “Mr. Grey, I’m not going to waste my time mincing words with you, we both know full well this is just a ridiculous publicity stunt and, Madam Chairman, I again raise my objection to the Committee wasting its valuable time with this nonsense. As it happens, Madam Chairman, I have another hearing scheduled at this time and must depart. And I will, as previously noted, be submitting legislation to put a stop to this foolishness. This government cannot afford to have unqualified civilian amateurs that win the lottery venturing off into space, probably killing themselves and others. This kind of thing needs to be left to the professionals at NASA with appropriate Congressional oversight, and that’s all there is to it.”
(Sen. Stoddard) “Thank you, Senator, your position is duly noted. Senator Vance.”
(Sen. Vance) “Thank you Madam Chairman. Captain Grey, not all of us agree with Senator Fairchild.”
(Capt. Grey) “Thank you, Senator. I’m pleased to hear that.”
(Sen. Vance) “I don’t mean to put you on the spot, Captain, but I am curious. Forgive me, I’m not entirely sure how to word this in a politically correct manner but, except for you, your crew is entirely composed of young women. Not that I have anything against that. As a woman, I’m delighted to see it. But, why?”
(Capt. Grey) “It’s just the way it worked out, Senator. When I began searching for a crew, I had three fundamental requirements. First, candidates had to possess the requisite education, knowledge, and skills and be in good health. Second, they had to be someone I felt could get along with me and the other crewmembers for a very long time in very cramped quarters. And third, and most importantly, they had to have the courage, determination and intestinal fortitude to undertake the mission. So there is nothing mysterious about my crew selection, Senator, it’s just the way it is. I chose the best people for the job, it’s as simple as that.”
(Sen. Vance) “One giant leap for womankind?”
(Capt. Grey) “I suppose you could say that, Senator. But nevertheless, I intend to be the first to put footprints on Mars.”
(Sen. Vance) “Of course. Dr. Lú, is it true that there is evidence to suggest that women adapt better than men to long periods in space?”
(Dr. Lú) “There is some anecdotal evidence to that effect, Senator, but it’s far from conclusive. And whatever difference may exist is hardly worth noting. The one exception to that, though it may just be a statistical anomaly, the jury is still out, is microgravity induced intracranial hypertension, which can result in both short- and long-term optical abnormalities; that is, various degrees of deterioration in visual acuity. Evidence to date seems to suggest that this issue is more prevalent in men, but it is also more pronounced as age increases. This being the case, certainly Captain Grey would be at greater risk than the rest of us. Still, evidence collected to date by NASA from ISS astronauts is far from conclusive.”
(Sen. Vance) “I see. Doctor, I have heard that in the worst case this can cause blindness. Is that a risk all of you are willing to take?”
(Dr. Lú) “Though it is possible that in the extreme one could experience retinal detachment, and subsequent blindness, that has not been observed in studies of more than 300 astronauts whom have spent lengthy periods in space. Indeed, the Russian cosmonaut, Sergei Krikalev, has spent 803 days in space, and he can still see quite well. We simply view this issue as one item on a very long list of items that we intend to research. Let’s go see. And if, upon our return, we all have to join Dr. Frederick and wear glasses, it seems a small price.”
(Sen. Vance) “Thank you, Doctor. Commander Nolan, you were a Navy pilot?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “Yes ma’am.”
(Sen. Vance) “What type of aircraft did you fly?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “F/A-18E Super Hornet.”
(Sen. Vance) “You were a fighter pilot?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “Senator, the Hornet is not merely a fighter, it is a multipurpose combat aircraft capable of both ground attack and aerial engagement.”
(Sen. Vance) “Did you ever deploy with an operational squadron?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “Yes, ma’am, twice. 2003 and 2005 to the Persian Gulf.”
(Sen. Vance) “2003? You participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “Yes, ma’am.”
(Sen. Vance) “In what capacity?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “I flew strike, ground support and air intercept missions.”
(Sen. Vance) “Did you ever release ordinance?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “Yes ma’am, I did. A lot of it.”
(Sen. Vance) “Thank you Commander, and the nation thanks you for your service. Dr. Frederick… excuse me, doctor, Commander Nolan, one more question, just out of curiosity: What was your call sign?”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “Bitch.”
(laughter)
(Sen. Vance) “You’re kidding!”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “No ma’am. One day in air combat school, I was flying an intercept mission against one of my classmates and got on his tail and wouldn’t let go. And he made the mistake of keying his radio just as he said, ‘I can’t shake the bitch.’ And it just stuck. It was okay with me, it always made a good first impression.”
(laughter)
(Sen. Vance) “In the aftermath of the Tailhook scandal I'm rather surprised to hear the Navy would permit that.”
(Lt. Cmdr. Nolan) “It took the better part of ten years following Tailhook, but eventually order was restored. Honestly, Senator, a great many servicewomen objected vehemently to the use of our gender by certain Navy and government officials as an excuse to emasculate Naval tradition. I am a woman, but first and foremost I am a Naval Aviator. I
am not someone's 14-year-old daughter going on her first date, and I don't need a bunch of old men looking after me. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Senator.”
(Sen. Vance) “I have no doubt of that, Commander. Dr. Frederick, your academic titles are very impressive, but have you ever worked in the aerospace industry? I mean no offense, but given your position as chief engineer, are you confident that you possess the experience necessary for such a daunting challenge?”
(Dr. Frederick) “Senator, while at Caltech I interned at both JPL, working on the MSL cruise stage, and Goldstone. Otherwise, no, my current position with Grey Aerospace is it.”
(Capt. Grey) “Senator, rest assured, Dr. Frederick is eminently qualified to handle the task at hand. If she were not, I would not have hired her.”
(Sen. Vance) “I’m sorry, I did not mean to imply… thank you, all of you.”
(Sen. Stoddard) “Thank you. Senator Lascombe.”
(Sen. Lascombe) “Thank you Madam Chairman. Mr. Grey, it was mentioned earlier that you anticipate the need for la
unch facilities at Kennedy and the Cape and of the DSN. Is that correct?”
(Capt. Grey) “Well, yes, Senator. We have to launch from somewhere, and there is only one Deep Space Network.”
(Sen. Lascombe) “And you anticipate paying for these services?”
(Capt. Grey) “Excuse me, Senator? Launch facilities fees to NASA are included in the contract costs with the launch providers. Both ULA and SpaceX, for example, already have their own facilities and pads at the Cape. Are you suggesting I should pay for these facilities twice?”
(Sen. Lascombe) “Well, Mr. Grey, you’re asking an awful lot from facilities that belong to the people.”
Margaritifer Basin (Margaritifer Trilogy Book 1) Page 29
