by S. Fred Singer
Presented at the Second Annual Convention of the Mars Society, August 12-15, 1999
The Ph-D mission involves the transfer of approximately eight men (and women),
six planetary plus two medical scientists, from Earth orbit to Deimos, the
outer satellite of Mars. There follows a sequential program of unmanned
exploration of the surface of Mars by means of some ten to twenty unmanned
rover vehicles, each of which returns Mars samples to the Deimos
laboratory. A two-man sortie descends to the surface of Mars to gain a direct geological
perspective and develop priorities in selecting samples. At the same time,
four of the astronauts conduct a coordinated program of exploration (including
sample studies) of Phobos and Deimos. Bringing men close to Mars to control
exploration is shown to have scientific and other advantages over either (i)
control from the Earth and (ii) a manned Mars landing. The mission is
envisaged to take place after 2010, and to last about two years (including a
three- to six-month stay at Deimos). Depending on then-available technology,
take-off weight from Earth orbit is of the order of 300 tons. A preferred
mission scheme may preposition propellants and equipment at Deimos by means of
"slow freight," possibly using a "gravity boost" from Venus. It will be
followed by a "manned express" that conveys the astronauts more rapidly to
Deimos. Both chemical and solar electric propulsion are used. Assuming that
certain development costs can be shared with other programs, the incremental
cost of the project is estimated as less than $40 billion (in 1998 dollars),
expended over a 15-year period.