Deep space transport

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Deep space transport
Phase : 0 (study) / Status : active

Deep Space Transport (right) and Lunar Orbital Platform Gateway
Type: manned space transporter
Country: United StatesUnited States United States
Organization: National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNASA NASA
Mission dates
Start date: 2030s
Starting place: LOP-G
Launcher: Space Launch System
General spacecraft data
Empty mass: 41 t
Specific spacecraft data
Modules: Propulsion and supply module
Habitat
docking module
Manned mission data
Crew: 4 - 6

Deep Space Transport (DST) is a manned, reusable spaceship designed by NASA that can transport a crew of up to six people from a lunar orbit to Mars . It should use a combination of electrical and chemical propulsion. As of April 2018, the DST is only a concept study, and NASA has not yet submitted an official project with a budget request.

The spacecraft is to be assembled in space at the planned Lunar Orbital Platform Gateway (LOP-G, formerly called “Deep Space Gateway”), a space station that will serve as the starting point for all missions . The individual components are to be transported there from Earth using the Space Launch System (SLS) . At the end of each mission, the DST is supposed to return to the space station to be serviced and reused for the next mission. A DST should be able to be used for two to three missions.

Mission concept

After the construction of the Lunar Orbital Platform gateway, the individual components (a drive and supply module, a habitat and a docking module) of the deep space transport would be transported to the station with SLS rockets. Subsequently, supply and fuel deliveries would take place with the involvement of private space providers .

Template: future / in 5 yearsA one-year, manned mission in lunar orbit could take place in the late 2020s . This would test the ability of the transporter to travel beyond the Earth-Moon system to Mars and other destinations.

If this mission goes well, Mars would be the next target. A first flight, which started in 2033 at the earliest, would enter Mars orbit. A landing on Mars would not take place. For the three-year flight to Mars one would Venus - Swing-by exploited. If this mission is successful, further missions to Mars could be carried out with landings.

A study by the US state research institute Science and Technology Institute concluded in 2019 that this timing was unrealistic. A manned mission to Mars with the DST can be expected in the late 2030s at the earliest.

See also

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Cislunar station gets thumbs up, new name in President's budget request . Philip Sloss, NASA Spaceflight . March 16, 2018.
  2. ↑ NASA evaluates EM-2 launch options for Deep Space Gateway PPE . Philip Sloss, NASA Spaceflight . 4th December 2017.
  3. ↑ a b Deep Space Gateway to Open Opportunities for Distant Destinations. In: NASA . March 28, 2017, accessed September 28, 2017 .
  4. ^ A b Stefan Goth: NASA plans Deep Space Gateway, Deep Space Transport. In: Raumfahrer.net. April 25, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017 .
  5. ↑ Eric Berger: Finally, some details about how NASA actually plans to get to Mars. In: ArsTechnica.com. March 28, 2017, accessed October 13, 2017 .
  6. ^ Jeff Foust: Independent report concludes 2033 human Mars mission is not feasible. April 18, 2019, accessed April 19, 2019 .