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Ballistic Capture and Solar Engines for Mars Cargo Missions?

Frank
in Engineering

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Does Ballistic Capture mean solar engine ships can efficiently bring cargo to Mars?

Since Mars gets about half the solar energy the earth does, braking near Mars is that much harder for solar powered spacecraft.  Also, Ballistic Capture allows a continuous stream of cargo to be sent, keeping the solar ships continuously operating, no need to wait for that window only open every ~26 month.  Return trip doesn't carry as much cargo, so the efficiency lost due to lack of solar energy is reduced.

Thoughts?

 

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