Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Any dry lake beds on MARS?

Actually, one of the rovers is apparently sitting in one.

A winged lander was considered for Mars missions long ago (see all the famous Willy Ley and other concepts), but it would require HUGE wings, a heartstopping landing velocity, and someplace to land that doesn't have rocks on it. Good luck finding that.

Years from now, maybe someone will build a runway. But don't hold your breath.

I don't know what the weight tradeoff would be for large landers between chutes/landing propellant and wings. I suspect the former combination would win.

http://home.flash.net/~aajiv/bd/m3.jpg

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