M.O.S.T: A Mars Logistics System Based on a Re-usable Mars Ferry
John K. Strickland, Jr.
[email protected]
Abstract
Since 2005, the problem of Mars EDL (Entry, Descent and Landing) has become very apparent.
Leaders in the aerospace field have shown that no current deceleration and landing system
alone can land a functional vehicle much larger than about 1 ton on the surface of Mars.
This paper takes this major problem into account in its design of an integrated system of
Mars Orbit to Surface Transport (M.O.S.T.), based on a Fully Re-usable Mars ferry vehicle.
It includes coverage of the use of Supersonic Retro-propulsion during entry, and what
that method implies for the design of the vehicles.
It proposes a fully re-usable Mars Exploration architecture, which would allow immediate
and permanent access to Mars surface, with no "Flags and Footprints" type missions or
post-mission interregnums. It replaces expendable Mars Landers (the "Land and Abandon"
model), with the fully re-usable Mars Ferries, fully fueled for both the return to orbit
and subsequent decent back to the surface, using sub-surface ice deposits present in many
locations on Mars. After the initial bootstrapping process, no large additional
propellant volumes or replacement Landers from Earth would be required. The resulting huge
mass savings would tip the balance (of Earth supplied items), away from expendable
vehicles and propellants and towards functional payloads for use on the surface. This
system would rapidly create a very robust Mars science base and a permanent human presence
on Mars.
It covers the details of the Ferry System, ice extraction, electrolytic fuel production
system, in-orbit architecture, and how it would be used in the base bootstrapping and
build-up process. It describes the differences between the two kinds of ferries, the
Cargo Ferry and the Crew ferry, and it covers how the Mars base should be laid out to
facilitate the logistics operation and provide safety to the crew.
Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville.
Paper and presentation charts are not available.