Nasa is going back to the Moon Orion\Aries. What are the details of the manned Mars part of the mission?

Answer 1

I don't think the specific plans have been formulated yet, but if you are really interested in this subject, I highly recommend that you read the book, "The Case for Mars" by Dr Robert Zubrin, PhD. It is a nuts and bolts engineering discussion for the layman about all of these issues. It was published ~1996 but is still very relevant today. NASA has basically adopted Zubrin's plan and mission archetecture, especially the part about using Martian derived Methane and Oxygen for the return voyage. It is a great read and it will give you all of the insight needed to completely understand any mission to Mars that occurs anytime in this century.

Answer 2

You are right - the Ares is being planned for both moon and Mars missions. The first link below gives a broad description of the CEV, and NASA is clear that this vehicle will be the basis of any future Mars missions, too.

Dr. Robert Zubrin, an aerospace engineer, is the founder of the Mars Society. He developed a plan called "Mars Direct" that is safe, less expensive than some plans, and very workable. A key part of the Mars direct plan is generating oxygen and rocket fuel using resources known to be available on Mars. Not having to carry all that fuel and air keeps mission weight - the biggest cost factor - way down.

NASA acknowledges Mars Direct as a contender plan for the final Mars mission, although some leaders in NASA are concerned about some of the risks involved. Mars Direct requires a heavy lift vehicle comparable to the Saturn V, something that would take a while and some redirection of funds to develop. The final plan will probably not be exactly like Zubrin's plan, but will certainly borrow many aspects from it.

Answer 3

Whatever the details are, it will be at least a 3 year trip due to orbits, travel etc. Plans are being made but there are an awfull lot of plans.

Answer 4

Go to NASA.com

Answer 5

good