Christov_2008abstr
Copyright
© 2008 by Marco Christov.
Published by the Mars Society with permission.
A MARS HEAVY TRANSPORT
ARCHITECTURE Increasing current payload capability to Mars with existing
technology
Marco Christov
ABSTRACT
Payload mass delivered to Mars orbit using currently available
launchers can be substantially increased by making use of low thrust (ion
drive) propulsion for orbit raising around Earth.
Trans-Mars injection is performed after orbit raise with the initial launcherŐs
upper stage, modified to enable active cooling of cryogenic propellants.
Payload masses at destination are calculated for fast (180 days) transfers from
the Earth Departure Orbit, aerocaptured into an
elliptical Mars orbit, or aerobraked and landed onto
the martian surface. Only
existing launchers, commercially available in 2008, and only existing
technology are considered. Resulting masses in Martian orbit are calculated for
transfers from 2008 up to 2039 using the Delta-IV, Ariane
V, or Proton launchers. It is demonstrated that using an orbital space tug
around Earth can dramatically increase the mass of payload delivered to Mars to
within manned mission capability.