Ask Gerry Soffen

 Dr. Gerry Soffen is currently the director of University Programs at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). His current responsibility is to develop higher educational policy and programs at GSFC. Dr. Soffen has been with NASA since 1968 as the Viking Project Scientist, Director of Life Sciences at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and Project Scientist for NASA's Earth Observing System. Previously, he was a senior scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Dr. Soffen received his bachelors degree at UCLA, a Masters in Biology at USC and a Ph.D in Biophysics at Princeton. He is big supporter of the Pathfinder Mission and subsequent manned and unmanned missions. Dr. Soffen has also taught at the International Space University.

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

G.S.: Answer (26k)

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

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Scott: Why should we colonize Mars?

G.S.: Answer (183k)

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

G.S.: Answer (299k)

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

G.S.: Answer (155k)

Scott: What is your opinion on the Biosphere Projects?

G.S.: Answer (207k)

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

G.S.: Answer (36k)

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

G.S.: Answer (159k)

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

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

G.S.: Answer (156k)

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

G.S.: Answer (132k)

Scott: Do you think there was life on Mars?

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

G.S.: Answer (78k)