One-way trip to Mars using a pair of the existing Space Shuttles?

[Fat Tone]

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/090106-space-shuttle-mars-flight.html

Some thought-provoking ideas.

[Dr Mordrid]

Singular insanity IMO.

[Fat Tone]

Of course, it is self-promotional fluff, but there are some interesting ideas to have fun with. I like the idea of finding one final novel use for the shuttles.

[Nowhere]

They weren't even best suited for the job they ended up doing...

[VJ]

Nowhere:
It does beg the question: could they use them to send equipment to mars...?

If a manned mars mission would not be that far of in the future, it could be useful to send construction materials, etc. ahead... But given the time frame, the materials would have to be lying there for still a couple of decades to come.


Jörg

[KRSESQ]

The radiation problem aside, I wonder just how a lifting-body/parafoil combination would handle in Mars' atmosphere and gravity?

Kevin

edited for parafoil

[Nowhere]

Lifting body can't provide enough lift in martian atmosphere, below hypersonic speeds at least - and at those speeds filling large parachute is an unsolved problem; essentially just like the whole operation of landing on Mars with something much heavier than probes we are sending.

I had an idea some time ago that might be applied (not really original, I'm sure) - using a rotating skyhook ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyhook_(structure) ) in such a way that the lowest part (your useable cargo/lander) will have very low speed (in relation to the surface of Mars), which would make filling large parachute tremendously easier. Or even using high-performance gliding wings (of the complex type beeing perfected currently for very high altitude gliders/gliders that use "microcurrents")

And it's easier to do than space elevator with our current materials (btw, I suspect that first space elevator will be actually on Mars - lower material requirements than on Earth, and is much more needed)

There would be a lot of ballast/"waste cargo" on the other side of spacehook...but if release will be properly timed this can be also used to send a very large payload to outer Solar System quickly.

[Dilitante1]

Sign me up!

He isnt the first to talk of a one way mission. Others have talked of sending people to start colonies based on a 5 or more year (maybe) rotation or truely staying put.
The inflatable Bigelo systems unit has a powered truss to allow it to travel.

Instead of counting on shuttles to live in, just have them along for the landings or as an escape vehicle.
Live in the inflatable hab til you get into orbit. Some can land, others stay in orbit with a landing option in an emergency.
Orbiting gives a birds eye view of the area to warn for storms, can act as communcations relay, and a platform to transit from as vehicles arrive to Mars orbit.

Just need a short range lander to transit to/off Mars' surface.....

[Evildead666]

Yup, i'd be on for a one way mission too.....

[KRSESQ]

We should write the president-elect. Propose a $1 billion xprize for the first manned landing on Mars. I'd be putting in my grant proposal tomorrow.

Kevin

[Fat Tone]

Could we start nominations for who to send?

[VJ]

Could we start nominations for who to send?

You aren't by any chance referring to the Simpons Y2K episode...?


Jörg

[Fat Tone]

Like this?

Man: Lisa Simpson, huh? You're the ships spellchecker. Now, before you get on, you have to make a difficult choice: you may only bring one parent wi-
Lisa: Mom.
Homer: I respect your decision, Lisa. I just want you to remember me the way I am: filled with horrible rage.