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willpittenger
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This thread was inspired by the Discovery Channel series <i>2057</i>.<br /><br />Supposed that in 50 years we send our first manned mission to Mars. Using the technology you think might be available in 2057 (ignore the hype from the show if that helps), what would the station where we assemble our interplanetary spacecraft be like?<br /><br />Assumptions:<li>The craft used to go to Mars will be too large to launch as one piece. Instead, it will be assembled in orbit. This calls for a "drydock"-like structure in space. It would serve as a template and support structure before the craft is ready to be "self-supporting". (The words in quotes are used because we have no equivalent word that is better suited.) Hence, we need a station.<li>The craft's crew may train there before leaving.<li>If the station is at least somewhat ready before the Mars mission leaves, it might be used to support later missions to the Moon.<li>Some fuel and materials for the station and/or craft may come from the Moon.<li>The orbit would be optimal for beginning a journey to Mars. However, a trip to the moon needs to be considered as well.<br /><br />Questions that need answered:<li>Please state how far out you would put your station. LEO? GEO? Earth/Moon L4 or L5? Farther out?<li>We have to assume that robotics will not completely take over EVA duties. However, I think we need a picture of what they would do.<li>How do you expect to reach the station?<li>Would the station handle traffic going both ways?<li>What about radiation and micrometeorite shielding?<br /><br />Additional rule:<li>You can use components designed for other space stations (even ISS if you find the components relevant). However, actual flight ISS that in orbit are not eligable -- not matter what shape they are in. The problem is their orbit is wrong. Stick with stuff that either hasn't flown or is in the correct orbit (or at least close to the right orbit).<br /><br /><font color="blue">Edited on 1-29-2007 at</font></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Will Pittenger<hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Add this user box to your Wikipedia User Page to show your support for the SDC forums: <div style="margin-left:1em">{{User:Will Pittenger/User Boxes/Space.com Account}}</div> </div>