Survey of Frontier Technologies and Approaches to Enable Humans-Mars Both Safe and Affordable

Abstract

Frontier technologies and systems that could reduce costs and improve human health and safety for human missions to Mars. Overall cost reductions increase funding opportunities for addressing serious radiation and reduce gravity health impacts for human-mars class missions. Major cost reduction/health improvement opportunities include fast transit via either starship due to low-cost chemical fuels in space, or high thrust electric propulsion, Isp of 6,000, enabled by lightweight megawatt class weak force nuclear batteries. Additional approaches include dark foods, ditch and bury habitats vice surface constructions, autonomous robotic ISRU, and in-transit artificial gravity.