Model, Mars Mission Spacecraft

This model depicts a rotating spacecraft for artificial gravity, based on a concept from "The Case for Mars" workshops held in the 1980s and 1990s. Advocates for the exploration and settlement of Mars gathered independently of NASA to develop mission scenarios and concepts for technologies needed to sustain human ventures to the red planet. This spacecraft design would rotate slowly to create the effect of gravity in the crew modules at the end of the spokes. The artificial gravity would reduce the detrimental effects of long-duration weightlessness on the space travelers' bodies. Arriving on Mars after a nine-month journey, the crew would more easily adapt to the planet's 1/3 Earth gravity.

The Museum commissioned this model for a future-oriented exhibition that opened in 1992.