Ask Wendell Mendell
Dr. Wendell Mendell received a B.S. in Physics from the
California Institute of Technology, an M.S. in Physics from UCLA, and his
Ph.D in Space Physics and Astronomy from Rice University. 
He is currently a planetary scientist at
the NASA Johnson Space Center, where he has been employed for 33 years.
He has served as a Principal Investigator on the Apollo 17 Infrared Scanning
Radiometer Experiment, has done research in planetary and remote sensing,
and specializes in radiometry and spectroscopy. He has been the editor of
many scientific publications in the field of planetary science. Currently,
Dr. Mendell participates in reviewing and creating strategies for manned
and unmanned planetary explorations. He has edited two collections of papers
on the topics of lunar bases and space activities in the 21st century. He
has been on the faculty of the International Space University (ISU) for
the last 10 years and has directed four design projects.
Scott: Are you in favor of manned missions to Mars?
W.M.: Answer (65k)
Scott: How do you see the future of America in relation to Mars?
W.M.: Answer (169k)
Scott: Why should we colonize Mars?
W.M.: Answer (130k)
Scott: What do you think are some strategies for traveling to and colonizing Mars?
W.M.: Answer Part 1 (117k) Answer Part 2 (143k) Answer Part3 (65k)
Scott: Do you think that traveling to Mars with an attempt to colonize should be an international voyage or should we do it alone?
W.M.: Answer (91k)
Scott: What is your opinion on the Biosphere Projects?
W.M.: Answer (117k)
Scott: Would you personally want to be a part of the crew on a manned Mars mission?
W.M.: Answer (104k)
Scott: What are some problems for humans in getting to Mars?
W.M.: Answer (182k)
Scott: What do you think astronauts would have to do to prepare for this journey?
W.M.: Answer (299k)
Scott: How do you think we will affect Mars' ecology?
W.M.: Answer (91k)
Scott: Do you think by colonizing or terraforming we willdestroy Mars' ecosystem?
W.M.: Answer (104k)
Scott: What do you think the biggest problem is in the public's attitude?
W.M.: Answer part 1 (117k) Answer part 2 (208k)
