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Introduction
In order to ensure the safety of the crew and equipment on their roundtrip to Mars, an extensive DARTS (Delivery and Return
Transport Sytem) plan was devised. DARTS consists of three stages: The first stage is to send satellites and other communication
equipment to Mars. The next two stages are launches using
ion propulsion and nuclear propulsion to send two separate packages from Low
Earth Orbit to Mars. These two packages will rendezvous at Low Mars Orbit and begin their descent to the martian
surface. Both landers will use drag-chutes, heat shields, and liquid rockets to aid their descent. When all sample
collection and analysis on Mars is done, the crew and samples will return to Low Mars Orbit in the Falcon Ascent
Vehicle. This vehicle shall then dock with an orbiting parental ship for the journey back home.
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Copyright © 2000 Massachusetts Institute of Technology