Deep Space Transport
DST would comprise an Orion spacecraft and a propelled habitation module | |
| Mission type | Crewed Mars orbiter |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA |
| Mission duration | 1–3 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 100 metric tons |
| BOL mass | Habitat: 48 tons (includes 21 tons Habitat with 26.5 tons cargo) Electric propulsion system: 24 tons Chemical propellant: 16 tons |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Suggested shakedown: 2027 Potential Mars launch: 2037 |
| Rocket | Space Launch System (SLS) |
| Launch site | LC-39B, Kennedy Space Center |
| Transponders | |
| Band | Dual: radio and laser comm |
| Bandwidth | Ka band |
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The Deep Space Transport (DST), also called Mars Transit Vehicle, is a crewed interplanetary spacecraft concept by NASA to support science exploration missions to Mars of up to 1,000 days. It would be composed of two elements: an Orion capsule and a propelled habitation module. As of late 2019, the DST is still a concept to be studied, and NASA has not officially proposed the project in an annual U.S. federal government budget cycle. The DST vehicle would depart and return from the Lunar Gateway to be serviced and reused for a new Mars mission.