To the Drawing Board

If we assume the plan as announced by SpaceX (at least for now), what does this mean for the follow-on mission architecture? At the next (third) launch window, two resupply ships brings more of everything… food, equipment to build out the base,… more »

Okay, we’ve danced around various alternatives, now it’s time to look at the SpaceX proposed plan.  We're actually going to look at a couple variants. COA 4: Two ships proceed in the first launch window, with a variety of cargo. Two to four ships… more »

COA 3:  During the same Earth-Mars launch window, one unmanned ship carries dual ISRU plants to Mars; a second “mostly cargo” ship follows closely behind, with a crew of 12.  If the Refinery Ship lands safely, the “mostly cargo” MCCS ship lands a few… more »

COA 2:  Since this whole program ultimately depends on available funding, let's take a look at a minimalist approach.  What about Refinery Ship 1 also being the first manned mission to Mars, and no second ship making the journey in the first launch… more »