Direct cargo mission
This article describes a direct cargo mission.
Contents
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.
Variant
A simple variant might be to leave the first cargo ships on Mars. It may not be cost effective to return the first Starships landed on Mars, as the cost of the vehicle is not excessively high and the rapid development process SpaceX uses means the engines and ships may be out of date by the time they return. The main cost of a cargo starship will be the booster, and not the second stage Starship.
