Difference between revisions of "Transport from Earth to Mars"
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
==People== | ==People== | ||
| − | For colonization of Mars the colonists are traveling only one way. The journey takes at least about | + | For colonization of Mars the colonists are traveling only one way. The journey takes at least about 6 months. During the journey the astronauts are subject to [[radiation]], which requires means to protect them. People need to eat, drink and breath during the journey. With currently known technology only a few persons can be brought to Mars with a single ship. |
| − | Protection against [[radiation]] and artificial [[gravity]] through centrifugal force must be established in order to avoid health damage of the astronauts. | + | Protection against [[radiation]] and artificial [[gravity]] through centrifugal force must be established in order to avoid health damage of the astronauts, although exercise is enough to prevent damage from zero-g. |
==Landing on Mars== | ==Landing on Mars== | ||
| − | [[Aerobreaking]] can be used to decelerate during approach when entering the orbit. Only small probes have touched down on the Martian surface up to now, using parachutes | + | [[Aerobreaking]] can be used to decelerate during approach when entering the orbit. Only small probes have touched down on the Martian surface up to now, using parachutes, balloon cushions and rockets. |
A [[space elevator]] might be a possible solution for large amounts of material as well as for persons. Expensive climbing technology is not necessary for landing on Mars. | A [[space elevator]] might be a possible solution for large amounts of material as well as for persons. Expensive climbing technology is not necessary for landing on Mars. | ||
==Open Issues== | ==Open Issues== | ||
| − | *How many tonnes can be brought to Mars with existing technology? | + | *How many tonnes can be brought to Mars with existing technology (per euro)? |
| − | *How many people can be brought to Mars with existing technology? | + | *How many people can be brought to Mars with existing technology (per euro)? |
*What technology is required to land big vessels smoothly on Mars? | *What technology is required to land big vessels smoothly on Mars? | ||
| + | *Which technology is good for cargo, which for manned transportation? | ||
[[Category:Logistics]] | [[Category:Logistics]] | ||
[[Category:Spaceflight science]] | [[Category:Spaceflight science]] | ||
Revision as of 09:38, 30 June 2008
Mars missions require the transport of equipment, material and people from Earth to Mars, and possibly back to Earth. This page wants to clarify the needed transportation volume and the proposed technology.
Preparatory Explorations
Some explorations are needed prior to the actual start of the colonization. Mostly, this will be probes to collect data, radio-transmitted to Earth. Some may, however, need to bring material from Mars to Earth for deeper analysis.
Settlement Equipment
A Martian settlement requires very much equipment, including energy generators and construction material for habitat and greenhouses. Shipping can be done
- with a series of space vehicles launched from Earth or
- with a big vessel assembled in Earth's orbit.
People
For colonization of Mars the colonists are traveling only one way. The journey takes at least about 6 months. During the journey the astronauts are subject to radiation, which requires means to protect them. People need to eat, drink and breath during the journey. With currently known technology only a few persons can be brought to Mars with a single ship.
Protection against radiation and artificial gravity through centrifugal force must be established in order to avoid health damage of the astronauts, although exercise is enough to prevent damage from zero-g.
Landing on Mars
Aerobreaking can be used to decelerate during approach when entering the orbit. Only small probes have touched down on the Martian surface up to now, using parachutes, balloon cushions and rockets.
A space elevator might be a possible solution for large amounts of material as well as for persons. Expensive climbing technology is not necessary for landing on Mars.
Open Issues
- How many tonnes can be brought to Mars with existing technology (per euro)?
- How many people can be brought to Mars with existing technology (per euro)?
- What technology is required to land big vessels smoothly on Mars?
- Which technology is good for cargo, which for manned transportation?
