Fast Transits to Mars Using Electric Propulsion

TLDR

Electric propulsion has been studied since the 1970s as a low‑risk, low‑cost option for Mars missions, including high‑power cargo delivery and rapid transits for crewed exploration. The study evaluates trade‑offs among spacecraft mass‑to‑power ratio, trip duration, and propulsion performance, considering both variable and constant specific impulse and efficiency. The analysis shows that generalized electric‑propulsion trajectories can achieve rapid Earth‑to‑Mars transits, demonstrating the feasibility of fast missions.

Abstract

The use of electric propulsion for Mars has been explored since the 1970’s when men looked to travel beyond the moon. The use of electric propulsion has been recommended in several studies as a low-risk, lower cost approach to the robotic Mars sample return missions. Electric propulsion has been evaluated for delivery of Mars cargo using power systems order of magnitude beyond state-of-the-art. Electric propulsion has also been considered for fast transits to Mars supporting manned exploration activities. Results of generalized electric propulsion transits form Earth to Mars are presented. Trades are presented as a generalized assessment based on spacecraft mass-to-power ratio, trip time, and propulsion system performance including variable and constant specific impulse, and efficiency.