Lockheed Martin has revealed how humans might soon walk upon the red planet’s surface: built using technology from the existing Orion spacecraft, the lander is single-stage and reusable. Developing a vehicle that could both land and lift off means “developing one less system,” which cuts costs.



Chambers says his team plans to use cryogenic hydrogen as fuel because of the “water-based economy” they anticipate on Mars, where water can power both the orbital base camp and the lander. Lockheed Martin intends to send humans on a mission lasting around three years long: six to nine months traveling to Mars, 12 to 18 months on Mars and six to nine months traveling back to Earth.

Discussion

Source: [H]ardOCP – Lockheed Martin Unveils Fully Reusable Crewed Martian Lander