Post by Radrook Admin on Jan 21, 2024 12:42:25 GMT -5
How SpaceX Will Land On Mars
When we watch sci fi films, such as Forbidden Planet, Star Trek, or Star Wars, spaceships are shown entering planetary atmospheres relatively easily. No heating of the hull takes place, and no dependence on an atmospheres to reduce velocity is depicted. Just a smooth effortless, worry-free descent from space to atmosphere, and to the surface.
Unfortunately, reality is far different. You see, in reality, ships that have been travelling through space at extremely high velocities, are forced to use planetary atmospheres to reduce their velocity in order to land at a safe speed. Why? Simple! Because there simply isn't enough fuel to reduce the ship's velocity to a safe landing speed by firing retro rockets and gliding in at high velocities being travelled, will incinerate the hull via friction.
So although a Mars landing requires the same approach as the shuttle, using the atmosphere as a brake, it is far more difficult due the Martian thinner atmosphere. Also, adding to the problem is Space X large size and weight. So everything must be calibrated precisely at that critical moment of the mission in order to avoid slamming into the planet's surface.
The video goes into greater details about these crucial factors and others related to getting Space X to Mars.
Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.