Ok I'll admit this has nothing what so ever to do with cars and yes I have posted it on a more appropriate forum (yes I'm everywhere ) but maybe it would interest some of you...


Hi,

Here’s a thought that has been bothering me.

It seems strange that it appears no one has suggested using the international space station as part of manned mars mission. I mean quite literally modifying it so it could be used as the spacecraft to go to mars in. This may seem a crazy idea but isn’t the station a engineless spacecraft just going round in circles. As far as I am aware it is fit for long stays, loaded with instruments, scientific equipment and has as much living area as two 747’s.

In my mind the proposed mars ship would share many of the design features already used on the station like modular construction, solar panels, docking ports, water storage, toilets and the list goes on. Why build and launch more of the same to create something new when most of what you need is already in orbit.

Of course I am not suggesting it’s not going to require a lot of modifications but surely using the station as the basis would save billions of dollars and bring the date for a mission much closer.

With many questioning the purpose of the station and its enormous cost, I can not think of a better use for this resource.



note - edited to make it clearer...

[Edited on 14/2/08 by Mr Whippy]

It doesn't have the radiation shields necessary for keeping people alive/healthy for a trip through the Van Allen belts never mind in the full cosmic ray nastiness on the long trip to Mars.

Not sure it's mechanically strong enough to deal with the acceleration/deceleration it would need either. Wouldn't have hard points for the motors either, but that could be fixed I'm sure.

Otherwise it's an interesting idea.

Wouldnt it be a bit like putting a viper engine into an old Sprite musketeer and driving the jockey wheel.

hi,

origonaly there where plans to build vhecle at the station using a simaler from of infestructure but with apropreat radation shealding and susfisently strong to deal with the g loads of more powerfull engin burns howevere that plan was cost cut long ago. also as the space station is litle more than core compleat it is not the facility that it was intended prity mutch what can be said for most of the present programs



if you are intrested in some other

Don't tell anyone but I know for a fact that Ron Champion is currenlty writing a book about making one.

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Originally posted by 02GF74
Don't tell anyone but I know for a fact that Ron Champion is currenlty writing a book about making one.

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Why the hell do people want to go to Mars? We went to the moon about 100 years ago and haven't been back since.

What a waste of money, they should be looking at cheap renewable energy for the masses instead.

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Originally posted by 02GF74
Don't tell anyone but I know for a fact that Ron Champion is currenlty writing a book about making one.

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Originally posted by DarrenW
Wouldnt it be a bit like putting a viper engine into an old Sprite musketeer and driving the jockey wheel.

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Originally posted by coozer
Why the hell do people want to go to Mars? We went to the moon about 100 years ago and haven't been back since.

What a waste of money, they should be looking at cheap renewable energy for the masses instead.

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Originally posted by coozer
Why the hell do people want to go to Mars?

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Originally posted by Simon
For exactly the same reason that you are building/have built a car.

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i believe space exploration is an essential step for mankind. I dont believe we as a race will survive the next hundred years anyway, but thats no reason to give up. Assuming humanity does survive 1000 years, its ridiculous to think we will all still be stuck on earth!

A modular system is definately the way forwards. I was thinking along the lines of lots of modules linked like a necklace, spinning for simulated gravity. Then if one has a minor mishap its not the end of the line! A few crosslinks here and there for strength.

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Originally posted by coozer
EH!?? I want a nice quick sports car to show off and blast around in, is that why people want to go to MARS???
Theres nowt there man, no roads or cars, or ANYTHING! Plus it takes ages to get there. You can't come home for dinner..

I just don't get it. DOH!

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Originally posted by coozer
I just don't get it. DOH!

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