MARSZUG—A Space Train for Regular Delivery of Astronauts onto Mars

Abstract

A project of the space train MARSZUG intended for regular delivery of astronauts to Mars is considered. In the first stage of the flight, the astronauts with the help of the carrier rocket equipped with a chemical rocket engine are delivered to the international space station (ISS). To deliver astronauts from Earth’s orbit to Mars orbit, a space train design consisting of two rockets, which have superconductive magnetoplasma electric engine MARS, has been developed. For the first time, a combined propulsion system MARS-M has been developed for the train movement, allowing carrying out the pitching, yaw and rotation of the rocket. This greatly simplifies the rocket control system and increases its reliability. The energy source of the electric engines is a sliding solar panel made of gallium arsenide. Working substance to create reactive thrust of electrorocket engines—hydrogen is stored in a liquid state in the cryogenic tank located along the longitudinal axis of the rocket. In the nasal part of the front electric rocket, a shaft rotating in a superconductive bearing is located. The shaft has a cylindrical nozzle, on which with the help of docking units two takeoff-landing capsules TLC-1 and TLC-2 are installed with which help landing and takeoff from the surface of Mars is carried out. This allows astronauts to constantly stay during the flight under the influence of gravity. To refuel the space train with liquid hydrogen in the orbit of Mars, the design of a space refueler with a chemical rocket engine is developed. The developed space train is able to regularly deliver astronauts to the surface near the northern pole of Mars.