Martian Mission
Current Project Status
Layout of Interplanetary orbiter sections
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At present, RSC Energia has developed a conceptual configuration for the interplanetary orbiter where the crew
will work during the entire interplanetary transit. This incorporated the experience of work on space stations.
Based on the analysis of failure statistics for those space stations, a concept was developed for the functional and unit
redundancy needed to assure a high level of reliability of the orbiter.
The lander/ascent module layout and aerodynamic form options have been analyzed.
Lander/ascent module configuration options
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Lander/ascent module operation profile
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Ascent module overall view
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Interplanetary expedition vehicle assembly plan has been developed.
Basic configurations for long truss structures needed to support film-type solar arrays have been developed.
These designs are based on design solutions of the Sofora truss.
Interplanetary expedition vehicle assembly plan
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Assembly of solar array beams
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A process
has been developed for assembling large solar arrays in orbit.
A program has been developed for building a series of small spacecraft based on the interplanetary vehicle concept with electrical
propulsion main engines and solar arrays.
Installation of film-type photovoltaic cells
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Unmanned spacecraft for developmental testing of engineering solutions for the interplanetary expedition vehicle
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| Key data |
Module-M |
Module-M2 |
Mars-Module |
Mass, kg |
225 |
960 |
2600 |
Engine |
D38 |
D55 |
D100 |
Thrust, N |
0.035 |
0.05 |
0.3 |
Specific Impulse, m/s |
2080 |
2250 |
3970 |
Vx, km/s |
0.4 |
4.5 |
21 |
The first experimental spacecraft (Module-M) is to be delivered to ISS on-board Progress spacecraft, to be subsequently
assembled by the crew during an EVA and moved away from the space station. Using electric propulsion main engines,
the spacecraft will raise its orbit to 1200 km. This mission will study the effects of long operation of electrical propulsion engines on the equipment.
At present, Energia's manufacturing plant has built the spacecraft structure, virtually all the mechanical units
and assemblies have been tested, and the spacecraft support systems and scientific payloads have passed the phase of
developmental testing in the lab. However, since the funding for this work has stopped, manufacturing of further elements
for the spacecraft is suspended.
The next spacecraft, Module M2, is to be sent to a Lagrangian point (H= 1,500,000 km). Along with developmental testing
of solutions to fundamental problems of the interplanetary vehicle flight, this spacecraft is also to be used for early
warnings of magnetic storms on Earth caused by the solar activity.
And, finally, Mars-Module is to be sent to Mars to study the planet. It will be the first spacecraft, which, along
with the developmental testing of the interplanetary vehicle will be intended for Martian research using remote sensing
equipment and landers with the necessary equipment, which it will deliver. It will support the operation of the equipment
in Mars orbit for more than two years. If need be, this spacecraft will be capable of returning to low Earth orbit.
Mars-Module will be capable of addressing the following Mars research tasks:
- Study of Mars climate, surface and internal structure;
- Global photographic survey of the Martian surface;
- Mars remote sensing.
A main feature of the series of spacecraft for developmental testing of the interplanetary vehicle is that they will
be delivered to ISS on-board Progress spacecraft to be assembled by the space station crew.
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