

Sevin Kwon
Class of 2026
About
Projects
- "Comparison of Space Propulsion Systems for a Manned Mars Mission, c. 2040 AD" with mentor Cody (Working project)
Project Portfolio
Comparison of Space Propulsion Systems for a Manned Mars Mission, c. 2040 AD
Started May 20, 2025
Abstract or project description
This project will determine the best propulsion system for a manned Mars mission, circa 2040 A.D., using a reasonable extrapolation of currently available technology. Six candidate systems will be discussed here: (1) the LH2/LOX liquid-fueled chemical rocket, (2) the solid-core nuclear thermal rocket, (3) the electromagnetic plasma thruster, (4) the electrostatic ion thruster, (5) the solar sail, and (6) the Project Orion-type nuclear pulse system. The viability of each propulsion system will be determined via a Python computer simulation of the voyage, incorporating published technical specifications and statistics for each propulsion system as variables, and returning travel times, fuel consumption, and other useful statistics. The following conditions will be assumed in each mission scenario: (1) that “reasonable extrapolation of currently available technology” means a reaction engine using a power source no more advanced than a nuclear fission reactor; (2) that the spacecraft will travel to and return from Mars at closest approach, (3) that to reduce the number of variables, the crew and supplies will be fixed at the value corresponding to the maximum mission time, and (4) that to simplify our calculations, the gravitational influence of bodies other than the Sun, Earth, and Mars will be assumed as negligible. The final verdict will be a compromise between travel time, operating expenditures (building costs and fuel consumption), and compliance with international nuclear and space treaties.