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As a result of yesterday's heavy rain, the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Museum’s 81st Street entrance will be closed today, Friday, May 24. The Museum’s other halls and entrances remain open. Please check back for regular updates.

Mars Spacecraft

Mars Spacecraft AR

The rotating ring seen here would provide artificial gravity on a spacecraft bound for Mars: as it spins, passengers are pushed against the outer walls and could walk on the floor just as on Earth. At current speeds, a voyage to Mars would take six to nine months each way--a long time to be in a near-weightless environment. Problems with the bones, heart, blood, muscles and immune system could be prevented with artificial gravity.

NASA's Other Ideas for Future Mars Mission [PDF]

The Space Show: Interview with Mark Holderman