Sounds like the setup for a sci-fi romantic comedy doesn’t it? But in fact, it’s the basis for a planned Mars mission which is being hosted by space adventurist Dennis Tito. As the head of the non-profit organization known as Inspiration Mars, Tito has long believed that humanity must seize on the opportunity being provided by a new generation of space exploration, with the intention of becoming a truly “multi-planet species”.
The mission will consist of sending two professional crew members – who will likely be a married couple – on a “fast, free-return” mission, passing within 160 kilometers of Mars before swinging back and safely returning to Earth. The spacecraft will likely be tinier than a small Winnebago recreational vehicle, and will be launched on Jan. 5, 2018 when planet Earth and Mars will be in alignment.
To make it happen, Inspiration Mars has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA – specifically the Ames Research Center (Ames) – to conduct thermal protection system and technology testing and evaluation, as well as tapping into NASA’s knowledge, experience and technologies. Tito emphasized during their initial meeting that his organization was not looking for money, but a partner to help them develop the required technologies.
The mission system will consist of a modified capsule launched out of Earth orbit using a single propulsive maneuver to achieve the Mars trajectory. An inflatable habitat module will be deployed after launch and detached prior to re-entry. Closed-loop life support and operational components will be located inside the vehicle, designed for simplicity and “hands-on” maintenance and repair.
As already stated, the mission is a non-profit venture that is designed to inspire. As Tito himself put it:
“[the mission will engage] the best minds in industry, government and academia to develop and integrate the space flight systems and to design innovative research, education and outreach programs for the mission. This low-cost, collaborative, philanthropic approach to tackling this dynamic challenge will showcase U.S. innovation at its best and benefit all Americans in a variety of ways.”
What’s more, Tito believes that the time is right for this mission, and not only because of the orbital window of opportunity. “Investments in human space exploration technologies and operations by NASA and the space industry are converging at the right time to make this mission achievable,” he said.
The mission will last 501 days, and Tito has emphasized that it will be an American adventure, not an international one. Tito himself plans to fund the next two years of the mission, beyond that it will be funded primarily through private, charitable donations, as well as government partners that can provide expertise, access to infrastructure and other technical assistance. He also believes media rights will be a major part of things, since the mission will be an historic first and ought to be caught on tape!
And the reason they wanted a married couple to do the deed is quite simple. Jane Poyter, a member of Inspiration Mars explains:
“Imagine, it’s a really long road trip and you’re jammed into an RV and you can’t get out,” Poynter said. “There’s no microgravity … all you have to eat for over 500 days are 3,000 lbs of dehydrated food that they rehydrate with the same water over and over that will be recycled,” adding that the two crew will need the proven ability to be with each other for the long term.
Makes sense. After all, who but a couple already intimately familiar with each others foibles and used to spending an inordinate amount of time together could make it 501 days without killing each other? And as we all know, taking a trip together is the true test of a relationship’s mettle, especially when its a capsule smaller than an RV with no chance of escape!
And for Tito’s sake, I hope things work out. One thing is for sure, his dream of a public-private relationship to make space travel happen is already taking shape.
In the meantime, be sure to check out the promotional animation, showing the mission and the mechanics of the free return trajectory:
Source: www.universetoday.com, inspirationmars.com
Stories by Williams 
I’m amazed that the entire Mars program has progressed to this level. But, there will be no landing yet. Just a trip around and then back, right. It’s a start. About a married couple, I suppose it makes sense. But it could also be two team members who have worked for a few years together on long projects.
That’s the plan. However, NASA has said 2030 for sure for a manned mission. Even if there are budget cuts and setbacks to contend with, its sure to happen within our lifetime.
You and your wife should go…wait. Then I wouldn’t have conversations with you over the Information Superhighway. Never mind.
Bingo. And I worry we’d get divorced, remarried, and go nuts along the way. Five hundred plus days! Holy crap!
You can say that again.
I read somewhere about sending a polyamorous group on manned missions, since they’d all be compatible and low jealousy. It seemed like a neat idea for a flash fiction at the time…but sending a couple? I think there would just be an empty capsule after a few months.
Married or not, 501 days is a long time to be packed in with someone… But you’d have a rock solid marriage if you made it, I’d bet! 🙂
Yep! It’s like taking a trip abroad together, isn’t it? It’s the ultimate test, the deal maker or breaker. Only in this case, there’s no chance to pull the rip cord!