Quote from: QuantumG on 02/21/2013 09:02 pmMaybe after the fifth or sixth of these types of announcements the space media stop being suckers for yet another unfunded dream flight (YAUDF?). Well aren't we all suckers and dreamers? Isn't that why we visit this site so much, and make imaginary rockets to take us to mars even before the press conference. At least we can dream for a week
Maybe after the fifth or sixth of these types of announcements the space media stop being suckers for yet another unfunded dream flight (YAUDF?).
So what are your cost estimates for such a mission to start with?
If I want fiction, I'll read some Niven.
Starting from the low side.A Falcon Heavy, a Dragon, maybe a BEAM module. I really don't believe two people with all supplies including food, air, water, sponges for cleaning and clothes for 500 days can fit into a dragon. That would be 250 Million Dollar. How much is an ECLSS and the mission software?
This mission would actually give a lot of very valuable data on radiation, psychological and medical issues for long time space trips. If that wouldn't be a huge amount of problems solved for manned exploration with one mission, what is. This mission could actually, if everything works out, silence the sceptics and accelerate a mars landing mission and even if not give a lot of valuable data to make things better next time.I am really excited about this now EDIT: Do you really think its possible to do this with just a Dragon? I mean you have to store food,water(at least some), bigger life support, sanitation, spare parts etcetc and still have to fit 2 astronauts in there.
What about including a space suit and so opening the Dragon hatch early on, push out your supplies tied to a rope and so have more room. Then about once a month, put on the suit, pull in another month's supply and push out a month's amount of trash.Then, while passing by Venus & Mars, go for an EVA to get the full experience.
One Dragon, at least as presently defined, just isn't big enough to support one person for 500 days. You would need at least 30 cubic m of pressurised, preferably more like 60, for this. So some kind of transit module seems inevitable.
According to the paper, existing environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) technologies would allow such a spacecraft to support two people for the mission, although in Spartan condition. “Crew comfort is limited to survival needs only. For example, sponge baths are acceptable, with no need for showers,” the paper states.
The man sure knows how to inspire, I like his spirit.