Washington Its been done in Star Wars living at a planet by floating above it. Now NASA researchers have proposed the concept in real life. <\/p>\n
And the planet they have in mind is not so far, far away. <\/p>\n
Its actually Earths closest neighbor, Venus. <\/p>\n
Some scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration propose sending people there to help study the atmosphere while flying among the clouds in a dirigible. <\/p>\n
Although Venus isnt a hospitable place to land, the scientists make a case that the planet should be part of humanitys future in space. <\/p>\n
\"The atmosphere of Venus is an exciting destination for both further scientific study and future human exploration, says Christopher Jones of NASAs Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate, in a summary document shared by the space agency. The environment at 50 km [about 31 miles above the surface] is relatively benign, with similar pressure, density, gravity, and radiation protection to the surface of Earth. <\/p>\n
Mr. Jones describes the mission as rich in atmospheric research, but also as part of a multi-phase campaign to explore and potentially settle Venus. <\/p>\n
Settle Venus? Where ground temperatures are currently in excess of 800 degrees Fahrenheit? <\/p>\n
OK, this is where the analogy to Cloud City in the Star Wars movies comes in. <\/p>\n
In \"The Empire Strikes Back,\" Cloud City was suspended above the planet Bespin, and film audiences suspended their disbelief as city leader Lando Calrissian (Billie Dee Williams) gave a hard time to interstellar jet jockey Han Solo (Harrison Ford). <\/p>\n
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\nNASA mulls plan to explore Venus with 'Cloud City'<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"