MMX (MARS MET X) A FAST HUMAN MISSION TO MARS ARCHITECTURE BASED ON NEW PROPULSION AND SPACE POWER TECHNOLOGIES: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

MMX (Mars MET X) is a Human Mars mission architecture capable of rapid development and rapid space transit to Mars. The results of a preliminary analysis are shown here. MMX is based on revolutionary developments in space launch, propulsion, and well established solar power technologies. This article concentrates on the core mission element of the Earth-to-Mars-surface mission and assumes prepositioning of supplies and habitats on Mars and-or in Mars orbit. A three-person crew is assumed to minimize mass. The SLS (Space Launch System) is used to put the basic CMS (Crewed Mars Spacecraft) into Earth orbit and boost it into an escape trajectory from Earth. Immediately the CMS docks with a SEP (Solar Electric Propulsion) spacecraft with 3MW of Solar Power and carrying a cluster of 75kW MET (Microwave Electro-Thermal) plasma thrusters and tanks of water propellent. The MET generates plasma thrust at 9km/sec Isp and takes advantage of the density and storability of water in space. In full Sunlight the combined CMS-SEP then performs a 14 day burn to achieve TMI (Trans Mas Injection) onto a fast trajectory to Mars , arriving in approximately 90 days. Near Mars the CMS detaches from the SEP and deploys a large IHS (Inflatable Heat Shield) in order to achieve aerocapture and aerobraking into Mars decent, to a pre-prepared Mars base. Return from the Mars surface is assumed to be achieved by a prepositioned MAV( Mars Ascent Vehicle) to rendezvous with a SEP MRC (Mars return Craft) to Earth.