What did Tom Crean know about the planet Mars one might ask ? Very little most likely! The reason for the title is as follows. A few years ago George.W.Bush announced the future goal of NASA. It is to land an Astronaut on the planet Mars by around 2030. This will prove to be a very difficult task as Mars can be about 160 times further away than the Moon. Since the task of actually getting astronauts to Mars will be so difficult and dangerous, it will need to be worth their while. In other words, they can't just walk around for a few hours after landing and then leave (like Neil Armstrong). They will need to spend several says on Mars and trek about 100 miles.

The approach that NASA will have to take will be very similar to the Antarctic explorers. The trip to Mars will most likely use the Moon as a stepping stone. Before the Astronauts even arrive, NASA will have to have deposited the necessary supply depots along the predetermined rout on the surface of Mars. The Astronauts will land at the start of the route. There will be already supplies, shelter and a vehicle for traveling at that location. They will then drive on the next depot (perhaps 10 miles away) and then the next and so on. Eventually they arrive at the end of the route where there will be a supply depot and a return vehicle waiting for them.

Leo's point is that Tom Crean and his fellow Antarctic explorers inspired NASA to take this approach. Those who have read about his adventures will understand the NASA approach very well. It will be a real adventure.