Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
A Comparison of the Lunar and Mars Mission248 views
Author
Piatko, Mark, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Earle, Joshua
Goyne, Chris
Dong, Haibo
Abstract
My science, technology, and society (STS) report investigates the similarities and
differences between the Moon and Mars missions. Utilizing discourse analysis and
sociotechnical imaginaries frameworks, I go through different narratives of the space industry
and how they built and changed both the Apollo and Starship program. I utilize comparative
historical analysis and literature review methodology to compare both Apollo and the Starship
program. I go in-depth about the history surrounding the Apollo mission, including the Cold War
and technological innovations. I also talk about the history of SpaceX by going over how Elon
Musk has changed the foundation of space exploration. I answer the biggest difference between
the two missions by expanding on the fact that SpaceX is a private company where NASA is a
government entity.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Moon; Mars; SpaceX; NASA; Starship; Apollo; Lunar
Rights
All rights reserved by the author (no additional license for public reuse)
Piatko, Mark. A Comparison of the Lunar and Mars Mission. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2026-05-06, https://doi.org/10.18130/jcky-k346.
