Missions To Mars With Starship Could Only Take Three Months

Reaching Mars typically requires six to nine months using conventional propulsion, posing challenges for mission design and crew health. Shorter trips, potentially achievable with nuclear propulsion, are highly desirable. A recent study by a UCSB physics researcher proposes using SpaceX's Starship to dramatically reduce transit times. The study, led by Jack Kingdon, identifies two potential trajectories for Starship, shortening the journey. These trajectories could achieve a 90-104 day transit to Mars. The proposed mission architecture involves multiple Starships, some for cargo and others for crew. Cargo ships would be refueled in low Earth orbit, with propellant created on Mars. Upon returning, cargo ships will transfer most of their propellant to the crew ship. Kingdon utilized a Lambert Solver to calculate the optimal trajectories. The most promising trajectory launches in 2033, with a 90-day transit time. Kingdon notes that Starship could reach Mars in any launch window, but atmospheric entry speeds need consideration. The research is published in the journal Scientific Reports, detailing these promising Mars mission possibilities.