Ask John Connolly

John Connolly is a mission designer for NASA, studying advanced missions for sending both robotic probes and human crews to the surface of the moon and Mars. Since joining NASA in 1987, Dr. Connolly has conducted research on rovers, robotics, extraterrestrial construction and resource utilization. All of which are necessary to support planning for future lunar and Mars missions. Dr. Connolly holds an Architectural Engineering degree from Penn. State University and an Engineering Management degree from the University of Colorado. He is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is co-chairman of the American Astronautical Society's Committee on Space Exploration and co-chairman of the American Concrete Institute Committee on Lunar Construction.

Scott: Are you in favor of manned missions to Mars?

J.C.: Answer (65k)

Scott: How do you see the future of America in relation to Mars?

J.C.: Answer (78k)

Scott: Why should we colonize Mars?

J.C.: Answer (78k)

Scott: What do you think are some strategies for traveling to and colonizing Mars?

J.C.: Answer part 1(78k), Answer part 2 (65k), Answer part 3 (78k),

Scott: Do you think that traveling to Mars with an attempt to colonize should be an international voyage or should we do it alone?

J.C.: Answer Part 1 (52k), Answer Part 2 (169k)

Scott: What is your opinion on the Biosphere Projects?

J.C.: Answer (78k)

Scott: Would you personally want to be a part of the crew on a manned Mars mission?

J.C.: Answer (78k)

Scott: What are some problems for humans in getting to Mars?

J.C.: Answer Part 1 (143k), Answer Part 2 (104k), Answer Part 3 (117k)

Scott: What do you think astronauts would have to do to prepare for this journey?

J.C.: Answer Part 1 (78k), Answer Part 2 (78k), Answer Part 3 (234k)

Scott: How do you think we will affect Mars' ecology?

J.C.: Answer Part 1 (182k), Answer Part 2 (104k)

Scott: Do you think by colonizing or terraforming we will destroy Mars' ecosystem?

J.C.: Answer (169k)

Scott: What do you think the biggest problem is in the public's attitude towards Martian exploration?

J.C.: Answer (169k)

John Connolly's overall opinion on: The public and Mars missions. (338k)