Difference between revisions of "Space access"
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== SSTO == | == SSTO == | ||
| − | the craft should have SSTO capability. It has proved very difficult to build an SSTO launcher on Earth, but the lower martian gravity would be of assistance to any launching spacecraft. | + | the craft should have SSTO capability. It has proved very difficult to build an SSTO launcher on Earth, but the lower martian gravity would be of assistance to any launching spacecraft. If the craft uses multiple stages, these will all have to be recovered seperately, which complicates the process of reuse. |
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== Early landers == | == Early landers == | ||
Early landers will probably be non-reusable or only partially reusable. The decent stages of these landers could be dismantled and reused. | Early landers will probably be non-reusable or only partially reusable. The decent stages of these landers could be dismantled and reused. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | == Guidance == | ||
| + | The guidance systems on the lander need not be [[hi-tech]]. The Apollo spacecraft flew to the Moon using less computing power then a pocket calculator. A simple computer, or a [[pnuematics|pnuematic]] system could be used. Although there are advantages with hi-tech systems, lo-tech systems could be included as a backup. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Uses == | ||
| + | Uses for the lander include: | ||
| + | Trips to Low Mars Orbit and possible spacestations residing there, | ||
| + | Trips to Phobos and Deimos | ||
| + | Trips to ferry crews to and from space craft that have arrived from, or are headed for, Earth, or other planets. | ||
| + | Possible satillite repair, not a dissimilar task as to what was imagined for the space shuttle in the 1970's | ||
[[Category:Technology]] | [[Category:Technology]] | ||
Revision as of 01:45, 23 July 2008
If colonists are to have access to space, they will need a craft to transport them.
Requirements
The craft should be:
- Reusable
- Single Stage to Orbit
- Use propellants that can be obtained from Mars.
- Able to share components with other machines
SSTO
the craft should have SSTO capability. It has proved very difficult to build an SSTO launcher on Earth, but the lower martian gravity would be of assistance to any launching spacecraft. If the craft uses multiple stages, these will all have to be recovered seperately, which complicates the process of reuse.
Propellant
Hydrogen and oxygen propellants can be obtained from martian ice. The attitude control thrusters could use gaseous oxygen and methane, kept under pressure.
Early landers
Early landers will probably be non-reusable or only partially reusable. The decent stages of these landers could be dismantled and reused.
Guidance
The guidance systems on the lander need not be hi-tech. The Apollo spacecraft flew to the Moon using less computing power then a pocket calculator. A simple computer, or a pnuematic system could be used. Although there are advantages with hi-tech systems, lo-tech systems could be included as a backup.
Uses
Uses for the lander include: Trips to Low Mars Orbit and possible spacestations residing there, Trips to Phobos and Deimos Trips to ferry crews to and from space craft that have arrived from, or are headed for, Earth, or other planets. Possible satillite repair, not a dissimilar task as to what was imagined for the space shuttle in the 1970's
