  |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
|
In order to view this site you must
upgrade your Flash Player |
 |
Docking Bay 21 Mars Umbrella Ship In a distinct departure from earlier chemical rocket proposals for a Mars exploration mission, Dr. Ernst Schulinger designed a genuine atomic powered, ion engine spaceship. Because of the huge radiator attached to the top of the ship, the ship resembled a large flat open umbrella. Hence the name umbrella ship.
The method normally used for Space travel was to blast powerfully for a short time and then coast for the remainder of the trip. The Ion engine ‘Umbrella’ space ship was designed to give a continuous thrust. Normal chemical rockets could only fire for a matter of seconds but Ion engines could thrust for days and weeks.
.
This was called a 'constant boost' method. It was powered by an atomic reactor in the long probe under the ship which could power the drive and ship indefinitely. Still the continuous thrust was very small, (on the order of 100lbs). This made the ship accelerate very slowly. They would have to spiral out of earth orbit in order in order to begin to accelerate all the way to Mars.
.
Because of the slow acceleration and limited thrust the umbrella ship would take over a year to reach the low orbit of Mars. The was longer than the time it took for a more conventional Chemical rocket. However, the Ion engine had a great asset. The advantage of using the ion engine approach was the amount of material the ships could bring with them. This method of propulsion was far more efficient and could move larger amounts of material than the less efficient chemical rockets.
.
Because of the long trip duration, they carried their own circular, rotating passenger deck. This was to insure the health of the astronauts during the voyage.
Due to the large radiator disk these were some of the largest, most exotic looking spaceships ever designed.
.
Links to Additional information available in the Trade Zone.
A Precision Design Drawing of this Spaceship -----------------------------------------
Click on Image to LEARN MORE or BUY NOW.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete background information is available in the Spaceship Handbook
Click on Image to LEARN MORE or BUY NOW.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Spaceship is also featured in “Ad Astra per Aspera”
Click on Image to LEARN MORE or BUY NOW.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
