The extended mission duration of a crewed Mars mission compounds integrated risks to crew health and safety. Shortening mission duration would therefore have a direct impact on reducing many human health and performance risk factors. This paper describes trajectory feasibility analyses performed to examine trajectory options for a fast crewed mission to Mars. Studies were conducted to examine options with short overall mission durations (≤ 400-day roundtrip) and options that focus on minimizing astronaut time in deep space, while allowing for longer Mars surface stays. Trade studies were performed to determine ∆v requirements for a range of launch dates, Mars orbit periods, Mars stay times, and Earth-to-Mars flight time maxima. The implications of a Venus gravity assist are also described. The analyses presented here build on and specifically aim to optimize and address key concerns of assumptions made in previously published studies of fast crewed Mars missions.


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    Title :

    Fast Earth-Mars Roundtrip Trajectories to Reduce Health and Safety Risks for Crewed Missions


    Contributors:
    Noble Hatten (author) / Kyle Hughes (author) / David C. Folta (author) / Azita Valinia (author)

    Conference:

    2022 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference ; 2022 ; Charlotte, NC, US


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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