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Mars Analog Research Stations Task Force
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Tethered Experiment for Mars interPlanetary Operations Cubed (TEMPO³)
Travel to Mars will take 6 months. Current research shows that 6 months spent in zero gravity conditions will cause the Mars-bound crew’s bones to atrophy, along with many other health effects…unless something is done. The Mars Society is doing something: we're building and launching TEMPO³ as a first step.
A crew on the way to Mars can use the discarded stage that sent them on their way as a counterweight, then using a tether spin the entire complex. This will generate artificial gravity for the crew and allow them to arrive at Mars physically fit for the busy schedule they’ll have on the surface.
Many questions exist about tethers in space. Other organizations (The Students for the exploration and Development of Space [SEDS], Tethers Unlimited, NASA, etc) have conducted their own tests to learn about tethers: how long they can last in Earth orbit? Can tethers generate electric power for their spacecraft? Can tethers be used to help change a spacecraft’s orbit? None have recently addressed generating artificial gravity.
The Tethered Experiment for Mars inter-Planetary Operations Cubed (TEMPO3) mission is the first attempt to use a tether to generate artificial gravity since the Gemini missions of the 1960s. It is designed as a very simple spacecraft that will fly along with others. Other satellites like it, called CubeSats have flown and been successful. We want to build on that success and take a small step towards Mars. As a simple spacecraft, our goals are limited, but we plan to push for further testing of this concept, either on our own or with other groups.
As a private, non-profit organization, The Mars Society plans to carry this mission out through donations and partnerships. Donations of any amount are accepted, and large donors will receive special incentives that will be announced soon. If you are interested in donating, please use the Mars Society donation page or contact the project manager, Tom Hill.
It is our goal to bring artificial gravity into mission plans when humans are traveling long distances in space. We hope you’ll help.
Commentary: Rockets Run on Dreams
