Project Rhea: A Manned Reusable Spacecraft For The Scientific Observation of Mars

A manned mission to Mars is critically important to further understand Mars and to advance the frontiers of human space exploration and science. The harsh environment of space and the dangers of microgravity have made such a venture difficult, but the technology to solve these problems is rapidly becoming available. The objective is to design an interplanetary mission that incorporates these new innovative technologies to successfully land humans on Mars. Project Rhea: A Manned Reusable Spacecraft for the Scientific Observation of Mars is the fulfillment of the aforementioned goals. It will consist of two phases: Remus, which will pre-position cargo; and Romulus, which will deliver a crew of six astronauts to Mars. Both of these phases utilize a reusable spacecraft complete with a fusion-driven rocket propulsion system, a radiator, solar panels, and a cargo hold/habitat. Remus will contain all of the necessary ground systems within three capsules complete with an advanced descent system and four navigation/communication satellites. Its trajectory will utilize a gravity assist maneuver to slingshot around Mars and return to Earth allowing for its reusable nature. After a 2 year maintenance phase, Romulus will depart, containing the crew and the ascent/descent vehicle. It will use a stopover orbit to reach Mars, drop off the crew, and after a 548 day stay on the surface will depart for Earth with the crew. The estimated cost of Project Rhea is $158.9 billion. This cost would be spread over a 27 year period, with research and development starting in 2015, production and support starting in 2035, and the mission ending in 2042.