Command, Service & Mars Modules

Like Apollo spacecraft, the Mars spacecraft will also have service, command and Mars modules. These three will make up the very last stage of the rocket. Unlike Apollo, more stages of Mars rocket will accelerate final stage of the rocket to a much higher speed. The crew will be just two.

The objective of having multiple small modules on the last stage is to preserve the momentum of the last stage to enable the rocket return back with minimum additional thrust. Once approached to Mars, the last stage will orbit around the planet at a specific altitude to preserve its momentum. Then, Mars module will be released with a single crew. Mars module will utilize the same propulsion as the rest of the rocket. However, it will also have solid boosters strapped around it. During descent to the surface, only carbon dioxide engine will be used to slow down the rocket. Module’s large cross section and fin like small wings will generate drag on the atmosphere which would reduce the thrust requirement. Once the rocket lands on surface, the rockets turbopumps, which would operate with the temperature difference between the liquid carbon dioxide and the radioactive material, will operate with the temperature difference between the ambient air and the radiative material. This time turbopump will be used to liquify the ambient carbon dioxide. Very low ambient temperature on Mars surface will reduce the pressure requirement. While the propellent tank is refilled, the single crew will collect samples. Once the refill is complete, Mars module will takeoff from the surface. Strapped solid boosters will generate most of the thrust during takeoff. Consumed boosters will be ejected. With the aid of computers and crews on each side of the modules, Mars orbit rendezvous will be conducted. Then the crew on Mars module will be transferred with the samples to the service module. Unloaded Mars module will be ejected to the surface of Mars. With a perfect timing, the service module will fire its carbon dioxide engine for the Trans-Earth injection. When the service and command module approach Earth, the crew and the samples will be transferred to the command module. Again, with a perfect timing, the command module will be released from the service module to fall on Earth where it will be recovered from the sea.