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Researchers have found a better, safer and cheaper method to get to Mars named as “Ballistic Capture” which would halt the cost and fuel usage.
The new method involves the launching of the probe into the orbital path of the Mars as the planet takes revolutions around the sun. The probe will slow itself down slower than the speed of the planet which would ultimately cause it to get pulled by the planet into its orbit.
This method would neutralize the step of reverse fuel burn to create the braking effect.
James Green, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division told Scientific American said “It’s an eye-opener, it could be a pretty big step for us and really save us resources and capability, which is always what we’re looking for,”
This method has its own problems; however the planet won’t attract the probe to its surface. It would only consume fuel when getting close to the surface or to land.
Another issue regarding the method is that the astronauts will have to spend six months in space which would really require psychological strength. Getting exposure to the sun’s radiations and spending time in that small quarter would be very uncomfortable.
This new method was may be more suitable for robotic and unmanned missions. Until now NASA’s boffins thought that it would take about 26 months to re supply a Mars mission but using the new technique these re-supply mission can be done anytime.
