• Question: How long would it take to get to Mars?

    Asked by Naina23 to Beth, COLFlight on 17 Oct 2015.
    • Photo: Columbus Flight Directors

      Columbus Flight Directors answered on 17 Oct 2015:

      Simon: Hi Naina,

      It depends on what kind of propulsion system and how much energy you want to use. Most mission designs to date for Mars look at miminum energy transfers between Earth and Mars using chemical propulsion (regular rocket propulsion). In this scenario a “Launch Window” opens up every 26months which would allow a travel time to Mars of about 6months. The next Launch window will be in March 2016 if you want to go 😉 !

Comments