Direct cargo mission

This article describes a direct cargo mission.

Non reusable cargo mission

Mission plan

• An Ares V class rocket launches the cargo on a Hohmann Transfer trajectory to Mars using an EDS (Earth Departure Stage).

• At Mars, the lander detaches from the orbital module and enters the atmosphere. It deploys a parachute, then uses retrorockets (Not mono-propellant rockets like on previous landers, but more powerful bi-propellant rockets.) to land on the surface. A crushable section, in the place of legs, cushions the landing.

• The orbital module aerobrakes into orbit to become a communication/global positioning satellite.

Challenges

• Bi-propellant retrorockets have not been tested on Mars.
• The heat-shield will have to detach first
• Large payloads have not been landed on Mars before.

This article reflects the personal position of T.Neo

Reusable cargo mission, SpaceX

Mission plan

• A pair of SpaceX Starships launch towards Mars on a rapid transfer orbit.
• At Mars the Starships aerobrake and uses supersonic retropropulsion to achieve a soft landing.
• The ships offload a fuel production plant and a large number of solar arrays, that refuel the ships. They also unload exploration vehicles and other cargo.
• After two years on Mars, the ships take off from Mars as SSTO vehicles and return to Earth.
• Using high velocity direct entry the ships aerobrake and return to their launch sites for re-use.

Challenges

• The flight path is unproven.
• The re entry conditions may be too severe.
• In situ preparation of propellant may fail.
• The equipment may not re-start when required.
• CO2 condensation on the propellant tanks must be accounted for.
• Landing on an unprepared site may damage the engines or the ships.