The newest interplanetary spacecraft from United Earth Aerospace, the Ares is a next-gen high tech 4-stage lander (by itself) and when combined with its SLS, a 6 1/2 stage rocket with 3.2 million pounds of thrust used to get the Ares, along with 6 astronauts to Mars. The Ares is somewhat related to the old Apollo mission system concept, with a descent engine stage that can take the craft to the surface without the need for a heat shield. When ready for the journey back to Earth, fire up the descent stage again, and when it runs out of fuel, jettison the lower stage and send the return stage on its way (there is a stage decoupler between the engine and the main fuel tank so fuel transfer is required during the return burn). Then separate the rest of the craft from the engine and let it cruise back to Earth. When at arrived at Earth separate the command pod and let it reenter and land using the Conquest tilt engines. Yes, this craft actually does use the C.O.N.Q.U.E.S.T lander for a crewed control center. All processes are included in staging, just follow them and the Ares will have completed a successful Mars return mission.
(Disclaimers: No heat damage, infinite fuel, and no burn marks are highly suggested at different parts of the mission, such as infinite fuel at the end of the Mars transfer burn and return transfer burn. A LEO refueling at the orbits of 35-40 km is recommended if you don’t want to use infinite fuel a lot. Using the 14 staged parachutes on the sides is also recommended for use during landing. This build DOES require DLC. A non-DLC version will not be made.) Boy, this was a long one! If you have any problems with the vehicle, just tell me! Also, if you have build ideas, they are encouraged. I need more ideas for builds to provide for your enjoyment!
(Disclaimers: No heat damage, infinite fuel, and no burn marks are highly suggested at different parts of the mission, such as infinite fuel at the end of the Mars transfer burn and return transfer burn. A LEO refueling at the orbits of 35-40 km is recommended if you don’t want to use infinite fuel a lot. Using the 14 staged parachutes on the sides is also recommended for use during landing. This build DOES require DLC. A non-DLC version will not be made.) Boy, this was a long one! If you have any problems with the vehicle, just tell me! Also, if you have build ideas, they are encouraged. I need more ideas for builds to provide for your enjoyment!
