The analysis of manned Mars mission with duration of 1000 days

Results of the analysis of manned mission to Mars are presented. The project of Mars's manned complex with nuclear electric propulsion is analyzed. The paper focuses on trajectory optimization as well as on the analysis of a required level of characteristics of the main systems of the manned complex (electric power of nuclear electric power supply system, specific impulse of electric propulsion, specific mass of electric power and propulsion system). The essential characteristic of the considered project (its feature) is extremely small (200 metric tons) initial mass of spacecraft at LEO. Time of the manned mission is equal to 1000 days. The maximal specific mass of electric power and propulsion system at which it is possible to carry out the considered mission is estimated. The range of specific impulse of electric propulsion 4500–7500 s is investigated. It is shown that at considered characteristics of space transport system the optimal magnitude of a specific impulse is equal to 7000 s. At efficiency of electric propulsion 0.6 the specific mass of electric power and propulsion systems should not exceed 14.6 kg/kW. If efficiency of electric propulsion is equal to 0.7, the specific mass of electric power and propulsion systems should not exceed 17.0 kg/kW.

► Mars's mission with duration of crew stay in space of 1000 days is analyzed.
► The feature of the examined mission is small initial mass of spacecraft (200 tons).
► The power-propulsion system uses a nuclear power plant and electric propulsion.
► Optimal magnitude of specific impulse of electric propulsion is about 7000 s.
► The specific mass of power-propulsion system should not be more than 17 kg/kW.