From: oz1sejREMOVETHIS@get2net.dk   
      
   Chung Leong wrote:   
      
   > It seems to me that the size of lander would be prohibitively large,   
   > as the ascent module would need to carry enough fuel to enter into   
   > Martian orbit. Compared to the Moon's, Mars' gravity is much   
   > stronger. Mars also has an atmosphere, which means thermo-shieldings   
   > on both the lander and the ascent module.   
   >   
   > The return vehicle would be fairly large too, as it needs to carry   
   > fuel for returning to Earth. In addition, it would carry the reentry   
   > module and equipment for monitoring the Martian atmosphere. Even if   
   > we use two launches, the rockets used to carry them into space would   
   > be gargantuan.   
      
   Unless you utilize In-Situ Propellant Production. That's one of the main   
   points in Robert Zubrin's "Mars Direct"-plan.   
      
   Bring along some Hydrogen, which weighs next to nothing. Make it react with   
   Mars' CO2-atmosphere, creating Methane and water (the Sabatier-reaction).   
   Electrolyze the water into Hydrogen, which is cycled back into the reaction,   
   and Oxygen, which makes a great rocket fuel together with Methane.   
      
   --   
   Steen Eiler Jørgensen   
   "Time has resumed its shape. All is as it was before.   
   Many such journeys are possible. Let me be your gateway."   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)