MERIT: A New Approach for A Large Scale Space Infrastructure Based on Resources from Mars

Details MERIT: A New Approach for A Large Scale Space Infrastructure Based on Resources from Mars MERIT: A New Approach for A Large Scale Space Infrastructure Based on Resources from Mars

Feb 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005aipc..746..503p&link_type=abstract

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INT.FORUM-STAIF 2005: Conf.Thermophys in Micrograv;Conf Comm/Civil Next Gen.Space Transp; 22nd

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Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components

Scientific paper

A new concept, termed MERIT (Mars-Earth Rapid Interplanetary Transport), would provide very large amounts of supplies in high Earth orbit is described. These supplies would come from Mars rather than from Earth, and would be produced by compact, lightweight robotic MERIT factory units landed on the North Polar Cap of Mars. CO2 and N2 plus water from the surface ice on the Polar Cap would provide the raw materials for the above supplies, using electric and thermal energy from the compact lightweight nuclear power reactor on the MERIT unit. After accumulating a full load of processed supplies, the MERIT unit would lift off from Mars to deliver the supplies to orbiting tankers, and then return to the Polar Cap to produce a new load. Each MERIT unit would have a compact, MITEE nuclear thermal propulsion engine for lift-off and landing on Mars, with a much smaller ΔV than lift-off from Earth. The orbiting tankers would stay in orbit until full, and then transport the supplies to Earth orbit, making a round trip every 2 years. A baseline space infrastructure is described for delivery of 3000 tons of supplies to high Earth orbit per year, including liquid H2 and O2 propellants, water, liquid N2/O2 air, food, and plastics. A total of 14 MERIT factory units, each weighing approximately 4 tons, plus 7 tankers, would be required. A development plan for the MERIT concept is outlined.

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