Mark,
The Mars direct spacecraft, will it use its engine before it reaches the Mars atmosphere?
It seems to me that the spacecraft will first need a heat shield , then parachutes, then the engine. Will it have been tested before the actual use (how about the heat shield then?).
The interesting thing about powered descent on the Moon is that it allows for extreem precision landing while saving lots of fuel (the difference between Apollo11 and Apllo 15 is stricking in that aspect).
Starting Powered descent can be done at a safe distance from the Moon, so in case there's a problem, the crew can be saved as they would still be in Lunar orbit.
But landing on Mars with a parachute.....(with the winds!).
It would be absolutely vital to be sure the vehicle ignites its main engine on time and with the thrust to slow down to the ground, right next to the ascent vehicle. No abort to orbit possible as the ascent vehicle isn't the descent vehicle. But then, it looks like the Mars Direct concept doesn't allow for much flight abort once a certain trajectory has been reached.
About colonizing Mars: well, have we colonized our own oceans, yet?
It's loaded with resources and it can even be environmentally friendly.
There are untold numbers of life forms in the oceans we're not even aware of. And even underground, I've read there are many times more life forms than on the surface.
Raoul
Space/Science » in reply to Recipes For Failure And Mediocrity
re: Safely landing on Mars
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