2001: A Space-Time Odyssey - Solo Mission
- Thread starter Michel Van
- Start date
It depends how nuclear powers evolve in this TL,
For moment we have:
USA, Britain, France, the USSR, China, India, Israel, Switzerland and Sweden have the A-bomb
Japan can build the bomb if needed.
Brasil, Iraq, Iran, Libya, People Republic of Korea, South Africa and Yugoslavia have Atom bomb R&D program.
Mean in 1990s of TL we could have up to 16 nuclear powers or even More !
Protection against surprise nuclear attack will become important.
For moment the US defends there MX silos with Safeguard system that use ground-space missiles equip with Neutron bombs.
Those bomb detonate near warheads and trigger them to explode premature, before hit there target. (and yes Soviets have in TL a similar system in TL)
Now testing the Soviets and US the technology to hit the warheads from orbit, with different weapons systems.
The advance of orbital platform, they can operate all over the world.
Yes, was nice reading.
i also read Stanislaw Lem Fiasco and Peace on Earth
You than understand cold sweat I have when anyone mentiones orbital nuclear repositories and similar militarization of space (including operational SDI within a continuation cold war)
I've read it maybe in 1999 or 2000. So a decade after end of the Cold War. Years after seeing Terminator 2 and Wargames. (Though before Threads and Day After). "Brief history of Death" will forever remain the most terrifying fictional book for me.
I familiar with Cold War Mechanic and issue with Mutual assured destruction (MAD) and SDI or worst the Doomsday Weapon.
See movie Dr. Strangelove, is perfect explanation why Doomsday weapon is not so good idea...
Or give you strategic defence to a Supercomputer, forget Terminator, watch instead Colossus: The Forbin Project.
In 1980s the USA made allot experiments into SDI (soviets also in some extent) allot failed like X-ray laser.
Even today it successor National missile defense NMD has to high failure rate in test.
They use kinetic kill vehicle that must hit the target to destroy it.
The old Safeguard system by-past that problem by using neutron bombs to intercept nuclear warheads.
They need only be near the target to destroy it.
Since they were used on ground-space missile, were no violation of Outer Space Treaty about use of Nuclear weapons in space.
The Day After looks harmless, in contrast of harsh realistic brutality of THREADS, Who show what will happen in full scale nuclear attack on Britain.
or deeply depressiv soviet movie Dead Man's Letters or On the Beach from 1959.
Orbital Nuclear Weapons Platforms "made sense" right up until we stared to really get and understanding of what the environment and issues where at which point while it kept a presence in media and fiction the military lost interest rapidly. Once SLBM Submarines came into the picture it just didn't make sense anymore to even consider such a non-stealthy and vulnerable platform orbiting the Earth.
Randy
Randy
RanulfC is right in this.
Global protection from ICBM, MRBM, SLBM from Orbit sound blessing for Military and Politics
But brutal reality is that Orbital Platform (SDI) open the box of pandora further.
A shift from doctrine of Mutual assured destruction to "We can survive Nuclear War, let's do it" under Military and special politician.
In case of Orbital Platform armed with Neutron Bombs,
It can easy defend its country by Nuking the enemy warheads and strike back nuclear if needed,
But also do preempt nuclear strike on Enemy with only 3 minutes of warning time !
This version is General Adlon proposal of the Defence and Retaliation Satellites in TL.
and ironic this let to Polyus prototype and Hercules prototype, let to further escalation in Cold war.
The Outer Space Treaty prevented use of Nukes in Orbit
Soviet Fractional Orbital Bombardment System on R-36 elegant circumvent the Outer Space Treaty in TL.
biggest issue the Outer Space Treaty have, is it voluntary and some nations have not sign or ratified the treaty.
On "We can survive Nuclear War, let's do it":
Edward Teller proposed in 1960s to improve the H-bomb to become more cleaner.
RAND corp. opposed this, their analyst show that cleaner nuke would be temptation for US politician to start Nuclear War.
Proposals to make nukes more dirty with cobalt-60 and Gold to insure MAD, was opposed by US politician.
(so far this old man can remember it)
Global protection from ICBM, MRBM, SLBM from Orbit sound blessing for Military and Politics
But brutal reality is that Orbital Platform (SDI) open the box of pandora further.
A shift from doctrine of Mutual assured destruction to "We can survive Nuclear War, let's do it" under Military and special politician.
In case of Orbital Platform armed with Neutron Bombs,
It can easy defend its country by Nuking the enemy warheads and strike back nuclear if needed,
But also do preempt nuclear strike on Enemy with only 3 minutes of warning time !
This version is General Adlon proposal of the Defence and Retaliation Satellites in TL.
and ironic this let to Polyus prototype and Hercules prototype, let to further escalation in Cold war.
The Outer Space Treaty prevented use of Nukes in Orbit
Soviet Fractional Orbital Bombardment System on R-36 elegant circumvent the Outer Space Treaty in TL.
biggest issue the Outer Space Treaty have, is it voluntary and some nations have not sign or ratified the treaty.
On "We can survive Nuclear War, let's do it":
Edward Teller proposed in 1960s to improve the H-bomb to become more cleaner.
RAND corp. opposed this, their analyst show that cleaner nuke would be temptation for US politician to start Nuclear War.
Proposals to make nukes more dirty with cobalt-60 and Gold to insure MAD, was opposed by US politician.
(so far this old man can remember it)
That's the point! Both sides know that orbital platforms (if there is enough of them in orbit to actually have <5min delivery time to target) allow you that. They are exceptionally destabilizing.
So you have to place your own assets into space that can destroy any DRS within minutes of warning (so lasers or railguns, missiles can't really reach it in time, unless you are cooribtal and just a fraction of degree out of phase). And you also need to move all your conventional ground based nuclear silos and SSBNs to very hair trigger launch on warning.
So on one hand they are great first strike tool, on other they are terrible retaliatory deterrence weapon. Enemy knows where they are and they can be taken out by a ball bearing on a interesting orbit (if you are not in a hurry and can wait for orbits to intersect). For nuclear sub, you don't know where it is, and you can't flood the ocean with hunter-killer subs to have a chance of neutralizing enough of enemy SSBNs.
Such system places you under extreme threat and instead of waiting for (classical) launch confirmation and having options, you instead have to go in full ASAT war in space if you even smell tensions going critical.
Regarding 2001 and DRS. It's not mentioned in the book and not explained in movie. In 2010 when Floyd mentions it, everyone is denying that the nuke Starchild used was thiers. So it looks like everyone is feeling awkward admitting it was their stupid idea.
So you have to place your own assets into space that can destroy any DRS within minutes of warning (so lasers or railguns, missiles can't really reach it in time, unless you are cooribtal and just a fraction of degree out of phase). And you also need to move all your conventional ground based nuclear silos and SSBNs to very hair trigger launch on warning.
So on one hand they are great first strike tool, on other they are terrible retaliatory deterrence weapon. Enemy knows where they are and they can be taken out by a ball bearing on a interesting orbit (if you are not in a hurry and can wait for orbits to intersect). For nuclear sub, you don't know where it is, and you can't flood the ocean with hunter-killer subs to have a chance of neutralizing enough of enemy SSBNs.
Such system places you under extreme threat and instead of waiting for (classical) launch confirmation and having options, you instead have to go in full ASAT war in space if you even smell tensions going critical.
Regarding 2001 and DRS. It's not mentioned in the book and not explained in movie. In 2010 when Floyd mentions it, everyone is denying that the nuke Starchild used was thiers. So it looks like everyone is feeling awkward admitting it was their stupid idea.
Here we enter orbital warfare
You can start attack on Orbital platform, but it's fight a uphill battle called Gravity
Missile start fast but once reach orbital speed of Platform, that one can easy intercept with onboard weapon
You can Attack orbital Platform with ground Laser, but you need very, very powerful Laser to hit the Platform in order to damage it.
We talk here of installation in size of Nova at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
and simple reflective surface can protect the Platform or Silicon heat shield used on Original US shuttle.
Rail or Gauss Gun have different problem the fired Projectile need speed of Mach 25 and more to hit the Platform.
if they overcome the issue that Projectile will vaporised fired at mach 25 in dense atmosphere
Both Nova laser and Rail or Gauss Gun need to be installed on mountain range or plateau.
Something you notice with surveillance satellite and take countermeasure for Platform like change the orbit.
More here about orbital warfare
Orbital Planetary Defense - Atomic Rockets
Orbital Planetary Attack - Atomic Rockets
The relative closing speed of a 7.7 km/s platform in orbit to a near-stationary interceptor coming up towards an apogee at a few hundred m/s is still thousands of m/s. The speed kills either way. In some ways like closing velocity, better to intercept on a highly lofted parabola.
42 - ARES vs AELITA: One - The Start shot
NASA and Grumman got MEM ready AMES manage to fix final issue with supersonic parachute and final test were success.
The Soviet got their Mars Exploration Complex working in typical Soviet sledgehammer approach.
Only issue was that Ion engine not produce power original planned.
In 1987 NASA Viking 9&10 arrived at Mars, drop lander who released to two advance Mars Rover from ESRO build by MBB,
They would collect samples and drive to landing site of Ares 1&2 Missions, while the Viking Orbiter are communication satellite for upcoming mission.
The Soviet hat landed advance Marskhod to support the Aelita mission.
NASA announcement the Ships name and there Crew:
ARES 1 would carry the name Valley Forge and there crew were:
John Young, Mission Commander, MEM Eagle main Pilot
George W. Bush, MEM Copilot (the Son of former administrator Bush)
Harrison Schmitt, Geologist
Tom Hanks, Mission Specialist
Niel deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, Planetary Scientist
Robert Zubrin, NERVA Engine Engineer
ARES 2 name is Lexington and there crew were:
John Crippen Mission Commander, MEM Falcon main Pilot
Charles Bolden, MEM Copilot
Alfred McEwen, Geologist
Jim Green, Astrophysicist, Planetary Scientist
Frederick D. Gregory, Mission Specialist
Winchell Chung, NERVA Engine Engineer
The Soviets announcement of AELITA-1 Mission and Crew, nicknamed the Wolf-pack in Starcity
Anatoly Borisovich Polonsky - Mission Commander
Valery Ivanovich Tokarev - MEC main Pilot
Alexandr Nikolayevich Yablontsev - MEC Copilot
Valery Yevgenyevich Maksimenko - Flight Engineer
They were experienced Pilots trained for their task ahead, for safety reason only four men would fly, later mission up to eight cosmonauts.
The USA gave start shot for Mars-race in August 1987 with launch of first Ares Module, follow by Nuclear Ferry and fuel tanks.
Then Soviet follow days later with launch of first Aeltia Module
On march 1, 1988. the Assembly AELITA-1 is complete, after 6 launches of N1-MV rockets.
The largest manned spaceship ever build 200 meter long with Two nuclear reactors with Ion Engine arrays, a Module of Mir Space station and the Mars Exploration Complex.
After checkout Aelita-1 powered up there Reactors and activated its Ion engine moving slowly outward unmanned !
At first World Media was perplex about this move, but engineers pointe out that Aelita needed to past the Van Allen Belt and it harsh radiation.
While Ares 1&2 would past fast that belt, Aelita would spent 120 days accelerate in there and that Crew would be launch after Aelita past Van Allen belt.
What was confirmed as on JuLy 7, 1988. a N1-F launch the Aelita Crew in Zarya Spacecraft toward and docked with Aelita-1 that move outwards.
On July 12, 1988. Ares 1&2 launched outbound to Mars schedule to arrive in 200 days,
After successful Mars trajectory injection, the four Nuclear Ferries detach and return to low earth orbit for reuse.
The three Spacecraft would arrive at Mars in January 1989.
NASA and Grumman got MEM ready AMES manage to fix final issue with supersonic parachute and final test were success.
The Soviet got their Mars Exploration Complex working in typical Soviet sledgehammer approach.
Only issue was that Ion engine not produce power original planned.
In 1987 NASA Viking 9&10 arrived at Mars, drop lander who released to two advance Mars Rover from ESRO build by MBB,
They would collect samples and drive to landing site of Ares 1&2 Missions, while the Viking Orbiter are communication satellite for upcoming mission.
The Soviet hat landed advance Marskhod to support the Aelita mission.
NASA announcement the Ships name and there Crew:
ARES 1 would carry the name Valley Forge and there crew were:
John Young, Mission Commander, MEM Eagle main Pilot
George W. Bush, MEM Copilot (the Son of former administrator Bush)
Harrison Schmitt, Geologist
Tom Hanks, Mission Specialist
Niel deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, Planetary Scientist
Robert Zubrin, NERVA Engine Engineer
ARES 2 name is Lexington and there crew were:
John Crippen Mission Commander, MEM Falcon main Pilot
Charles Bolden, MEM Copilot
Alfred McEwen, Geologist
Jim Green, Astrophysicist, Planetary Scientist
Frederick D. Gregory, Mission Specialist
Winchell Chung, NERVA Engine Engineer
The Soviets announcement of AELITA-1 Mission and Crew, nicknamed the Wolf-pack in Starcity
Anatoly Borisovich Polonsky - Mission Commander
Valery Ivanovich Tokarev - MEC main Pilot
Alexandr Nikolayevich Yablontsev - MEC Copilot
Valery Yevgenyevich Maksimenko - Flight Engineer
They were experienced Pilots trained for their task ahead, for safety reason only four men would fly, later mission up to eight cosmonauts.
The USA gave start shot for Mars-race in August 1987 with launch of first Ares Module, follow by Nuclear Ferry and fuel tanks.
Then Soviet follow days later with launch of first Aeltia Module
On march 1, 1988. the Assembly AELITA-1 is complete, after 6 launches of N1-MV rockets.
The largest manned spaceship ever build 200 meter long with Two nuclear reactors with Ion Engine arrays, a Module of Mir Space station and the Mars Exploration Complex.
After checkout Aelita-1 powered up there Reactors and activated its Ion engine moving slowly outward unmanned !
At first World Media was perplex about this move, but engineers pointe out that Aelita needed to past the Van Allen Belt and it harsh radiation.
While Ares 1&2 would past fast that belt, Aelita would spent 120 days accelerate in there and that Crew would be launch after Aelita past Van Allen belt.
What was confirmed as on JuLy 7, 1988. a N1-F launch the Aelita Crew in Zarya Spacecraft toward and docked with Aelita-1 that move outwards.
On July 12, 1988. Ares 1&2 launched outbound to Mars schedule to arrive in 200 days,
After successful Mars trajectory injection, the four Nuclear Ferries detach and return to low earth orbit for reuse.
The three Spacecraft would arrive at Mars in January 1989.
Last edited:
Full from STG, fact is this was NASA reference Mars lander until 1980s.
43 - The 1988 US Presidential Election
The Reign of Democrats ended after 12 years, Under President Glenn 1976-84 and President Udall 1984-88, were time of economic recovery of USA.
Mostly by financial input in US Aerospace industry under NASA odyssey program and armament of US military with new weapon systems, kickstarting the US economy.
While Glenn Presidency was marked by Operation Eagle Claw, the GLADIO-CONTRA scandal and decision to go to Moon and Mars.
Was Udall Presidency one of funniest in US History and was highly popular, all the more surprising that Udall declined as candidate for 1988 president elections !
There were allot of speculation why, but after Udall death in 1998, it became public that he had Parkinson’s disease and it condition worsen in 1988.
So his Vice President Gary Hart was nominated as candidate with Lloyd Bentsen for vice president.
But they faced a Strong duo from Republicans: George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole.
Bush was US representative from 1963 to 1969, then NASA Administrator for 1969-1977, who return to politic were,
Then serve as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He represent the progressive republicanism,
Dole is US Senator for Kansas, know for his hard line conservative republicanism, know for his sarcastic one-liners comments.
The selection was compromise between conservatives under Ronald Reagan and Progressives under Richard Nixon.
And there was Lyndon H. LaRouche jr. a Independent candidate for National Democratic Policy Committee (unrelated to US Democratic Party)
LaRouche made headline news with bold proposal to Colonised Planet Mars with Help of NASA and incorporated the Mars territory as new state in USA.
Also install orbital defence system what he called „the Strategic Defense Initiative“ and gain allot of popularity for his proposal.
But the 1988 Campaign was marked by scandals
The first was Vice President Hart downfall as Miami Herald publish article claimed he is womaniser and had affairs.
Gary Hart declare not running for President, The democrat party try to compensate to make Lloyd Bentsen main- and Michael Dukakis as Vice candidate.
The Democratic campaign suffer of constant changes in Campaign management, like Dukakis was force to fire Donna Brazile do unethical wheeling against Bush/Dole.
That George W. Bush was part of Ares-1 crew was controversial, since he was son of President candidate Bush,
The Democrats accused NASA to support Bush sr. despite Bush jr. was selected years ago for mission.
In October the FBI arrested LaRouche jr. for credit card fraud and obstruction of Justice, middle during his Campaign in West Virginia
What let to wild speculation in Media, special as LaRouche claimed he was victim of Political vendetta, he was sentence to 15 years of Prison.
In the end won George H.W. Bush, and Bob Dole, both in popular (53%.37%) and Electoral votes (426)
People wanted a change in Politic after Democratic rule of 12 years.
NASA realised there former Administrator became President!
The Reign of Democrats ended after 12 years, Under President Glenn 1976-84 and President Udall 1984-88, were time of economic recovery of USA.
Mostly by financial input in US Aerospace industry under NASA odyssey program and armament of US military with new weapon systems, kickstarting the US economy.
While Glenn Presidency was marked by Operation Eagle Claw, the GLADIO-CONTRA scandal and decision to go to Moon and Mars.
Was Udall Presidency one of funniest in US History and was highly popular, all the more surprising that Udall declined as candidate for 1988 president elections !
There were allot of speculation why, but after Udall death in 1998, it became public that he had Parkinson’s disease and it condition worsen in 1988.
So his Vice President Gary Hart was nominated as candidate with Lloyd Bentsen for vice president.
But they faced a Strong duo from Republicans: George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole.
Bush was US representative from 1963 to 1969, then NASA Administrator for 1969-1977, who return to politic were,
Then serve as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He represent the progressive republicanism,
Dole is US Senator for Kansas, know for his hard line conservative republicanism, know for his sarcastic one-liners comments.
The selection was compromise between conservatives under Ronald Reagan and Progressives under Richard Nixon.
And there was Lyndon H. LaRouche jr. a Independent candidate for National Democratic Policy Committee (unrelated to US Democratic Party)
LaRouche made headline news with bold proposal to Colonised Planet Mars with Help of NASA and incorporated the Mars territory as new state in USA.
Also install orbital defence system what he called „the Strategic Defense Initiative“ and gain allot of popularity for his proposal.
But the 1988 Campaign was marked by scandals
The first was Vice President Hart downfall as Miami Herald publish article claimed he is womaniser and had affairs.
Gary Hart declare not running for President, The democrat party try to compensate to make Lloyd Bentsen main- and Michael Dukakis as Vice candidate.
The Democratic campaign suffer of constant changes in Campaign management, like Dukakis was force to fire Donna Brazile do unethical wheeling against Bush/Dole.
That George W. Bush was part of Ares-1 crew was controversial, since he was son of President candidate Bush,
The Democrats accused NASA to support Bush sr. despite Bush jr. was selected years ago for mission.
In October the FBI arrested LaRouche jr. for credit card fraud and obstruction of Justice, middle during his Campaign in West Virginia
What let to wild speculation in Media, special as LaRouche claimed he was victim of Political vendetta, he was sentence to 15 years of Prison.
In the end won George H.W. Bush, and Bob Dole, both in popular (53%.37%) and Electoral votes (426)
People wanted a change in Politic after Democratic rule of 12 years.
NASA realised there former Administrator became President!
44 - ARES vs ALITA: Two - Orbital mechanic is a harsh mistress
On January 23, 1989. Aelita-1 arrival at Mars, but do its low thrust ion engine, they needed 23.5 day to spiral into its Mars Orbit.
But January 28 , Ares 1&2 arrive at Mars and enter High elliptical Orbit and check their Mars Exploration Moduls Eagle and Falcon.
While crew of Aelita-1 start orbital survey of Mars with sensors and Telescopes, drop Ares 1&2 series of probes on Mars, who would do science research.
Then on February 2, 1989. the Mars Exploration Moduls Eagle and Falcon descent to surface of Mars, while Aelita-1 still enter its needed orbit.
For Soviets the Disappointment was clear: the Americans would land first.
in USA were nail biting waiting until MEMs enter Mars Atmosphere and descend to Surface and report back, that signal took 20 minute to arrive at Earth
Finally came message: the Eagle has landed follow by the Falcon has landed. in Mangala Valles (10°S 150°W in Tharsis region) only 16 km from each other.
Art work by Drell7
John Young became first Human on Mars: „its small Step for me, but next step of Humanity in the exploration of the Univers“
Follow by George W. Bush the son of current President. „Hey this place look just like New Mexico desert“
20 minute later The USA erupted in cheer joyful shout, In White House President Bush congratulate the Crew.
Next to him stand Robert Nixon, his gamble 20 years ago brought USA this Victory in the Space-race.
While George W. Bush stole the show with remark „hey dad i’m standing on Mars, are you proud ?“, „yes i’m very proud my son“ answer embarrassed President 20 minute later…
For next 30 days the Crews of Eagle and Falcon study the Mars surface, conducts experiments and collect samples.
On February 20, 1989 land the Soviets on Mars, on 37° north and 162 ° West, at the edge Utopia Planitia and north Elysium Planitian.
With Valery Ivanovich Tokarev becoming first Soviet on Mars „just another Step“ was his disappoint reaction.
The crew Falcon discover water ice deposit under ground at their landing site.
On day 17 after landing, arrive a visitors on mars horizon, the two German Rover Max and Moritz,
After 2 years odyssey over surface, both collected a treasure of Geological Samples.
Like wise collect the Soviets also Sample containers from their Marshkod rovers.
On March 2, the Soviet MPK took off successfully and docked with Aelita-1, that prepared to leave Mars orbit
Follow two days later by Eagle and Falcon docking with Ares 1&2
March 7, 1989 Aelita-1 began Mars orbit departure next 17.5 days, it spiral out Mars orbit into interplanetary space.
while on March 9 leave Ares 1&2 Mars orbit to Earth the upper stage of Eagle and Falcon parked in stable orbit around Mars.
Sadly the US Triumph was over shadow by Tragedy,
On April 28, 1989 died Astronaut Raymond Tanner on Moon during Lunar EVA under Diana 14 mission.
During exploration of Lunar lava tubes at Lacus Mortis,
So far know stumble Tanner and fall deep, hit with helmet face plate into a bolder, the resulting hole in Helmet depressurised his suit fast, killing the 31 year old astronaut.
This dead let bizarre situation what to do with Body ? Bring it to Moonlab and there to Earth ? who to store the decomposing body on station ?
In end Mission control in consultation with Tanner family made decision: his body is bury on landing site, leading to sharp protest by religious groups who worship the Moon.
NASA investigate incident and gave recommendations for handling body of dead Astronauts in Space:
„If a return of Body is not possible do safety or hygienic reason, the deceased has to „bury“ at place or hand over to Space in analog to burial at sea“
On January 23, 1989. Aelita-1 arrival at Mars, but do its low thrust ion engine, they needed 23.5 day to spiral into its Mars Orbit.
But January 28 , Ares 1&2 arrive at Mars and enter High elliptical Orbit and check their Mars Exploration Moduls Eagle and Falcon.
While crew of Aelita-1 start orbital survey of Mars with sensors and Telescopes, drop Ares 1&2 series of probes on Mars, who would do science research.
Then on February 2, 1989. the Mars Exploration Moduls Eagle and Falcon descent to surface of Mars, while Aelita-1 still enter its needed orbit.
For Soviets the Disappointment was clear: the Americans would land first.
in USA were nail biting waiting until MEMs enter Mars Atmosphere and descend to Surface and report back, that signal took 20 minute to arrive at Earth
Finally came message: the Eagle has landed follow by the Falcon has landed. in Mangala Valles (10°S 150°W in Tharsis region) only 16 km from each other.
Art work by Drell7
John Young became first Human on Mars: „its small Step for me, but next step of Humanity in the exploration of the Univers“
Follow by George W. Bush the son of current President. „Hey this place look just like New Mexico desert“
20 minute later The USA erupted in cheer joyful shout, In White House President Bush congratulate the Crew.
Next to him stand Robert Nixon, his gamble 20 years ago brought USA this Victory in the Space-race.
While George W. Bush stole the show with remark „hey dad i’m standing on Mars, are you proud ?“, „yes i’m very proud my son“ answer embarrassed President 20 minute later…
For next 30 days the Crews of Eagle and Falcon study the Mars surface, conducts experiments and collect samples.
On February 20, 1989 land the Soviets on Mars, on 37° north and 162 ° West, at the edge Utopia Planitia and north Elysium Planitian.
With Valery Ivanovich Tokarev becoming first Soviet on Mars „just another Step“ was his disappoint reaction.
The crew Falcon discover water ice deposit under ground at their landing site.
On day 17 after landing, arrive a visitors on mars horizon, the two German Rover Max and Moritz,
After 2 years odyssey over surface, both collected a treasure of Geological Samples.
Like wise collect the Soviets also Sample containers from their Marshkod rovers.
On March 2, the Soviet MPK took off successfully and docked with Aelita-1, that prepared to leave Mars orbit
Follow two days later by Eagle and Falcon docking with Ares 1&2
March 7, 1989 Aelita-1 began Mars orbit departure next 17.5 days, it spiral out Mars orbit into interplanetary space.
while on March 9 leave Ares 1&2 Mars orbit to Earth the upper stage of Eagle and Falcon parked in stable orbit around Mars.
Sadly the US Triumph was over shadow by Tragedy,
On April 28, 1989 died Astronaut Raymond Tanner on Moon during Lunar EVA under Diana 14 mission.
During exploration of Lunar lava tubes at Lacus Mortis,
So far know stumble Tanner and fall deep, hit with helmet face plate into a bolder, the resulting hole in Helmet depressurised his suit fast, killing the 31 year old astronaut.
This dead let bizarre situation what to do with Body ? Bring it to Moonlab and there to Earth ? who to store the decomposing body on station ?
In end Mission control in consultation with Tanner family made decision: his body is bury on landing site, leading to sharp protest by religious groups who worship the Moon.
NASA investigate incident and gave recommendations for handling body of dead Astronauts in Space:
„If a return of Body is not possible do safety or hygienic reason, the deceased has to „bury“ at place or hand over to Space in analog to burial at sea“
Moontrap?44 - ARES vs ALITA: Two - Orbital mechanic is a harsh mistress
On January 23, 1989. Aelita-1 arrival at Mars, but do its low thrust ion engine, they needed 23.5 day to spiral into its Mars Orbit.
But January 28 , Ares 1&2 arrive at Mars and enter High elliptical Orbit and check their Mars Exploration Moduls Eagle and Falcon.
While crew of Aelita-1 start orbital survey of Mars with sensors and Telescopes, drop Ares 1&2 series of probes on Mars, who would do science research.
Then on February 2, 1989. the Mars Exploration Moduls Eagle and Falcon descent to surface of Mars, while Aelita-1 still enter its needed orbit.
For Soviets the Disappointment was clear: the Americans would land first.
in USA were nail biting waiting until MEMs enter Mars Atmosphere and descend to Surface and report back, that signal took 20 minute to arrive at Earth
Finally came message: the Eagle has landed follow by the Falcon has landed. in Mangala Valles (10°S 150°W in Tharsis region) only 16 km from each other.
Art work by Drell7
John Young became first Human on Mars: „its small Step for me, but next step of Humanity in the exploration of the Univers“
Follow by George W. Bush the son of current President. „Hey this place look just like New Mexico desert“
20 minute later The USA erupted in cheer joyful shout, In White House President Bush congratulate the Crew.
Next to him stand Robert Nixon, his gamble 20 years ago brought USA this Victory in the Space-race.
While George W. Bush stole the show with remark „hey dad i’m standing on Mars, are you proud ?“, „yes i’m very proud my son“ answer embarrassed President 20 minute later…
For next 30 days the Crews of Eagle and Falcon study the Mars surface, conducts experiments and collect samples.
On February 20, 1989 land the Soviets on Mars, on 37° north and 162 ° West, at the edge Utopia Planitia and north Elysium Planitian.
With Valery Ivanovich Tokarev becoming first Soviet on Mars „just another Step“ was his disappoint reaction.
The crew Falcon discover water ice deposit under ground at their landing site.
On day 17 after landing, arrive a visitors on mars horizon, the two German Rover Max and Moritz,
After 2 years odyssey over surface, both collected a treasure of Geological Samples.
Like wise collect the Soviets also Sample containers from their Marshkod rovers.
On March 2, the Soviet MPK took off successfully and docked with Aelita-1, that prepared to leave Mars orbit
Follow two days later by Eagle and Falcon docking with Ares 1&2
March 7, 1989 Aelita-1 began Mars orbit departure next 17.5 days, it spiral out Mars orbit into interplanetary space.
while on March 9 leave Ares 1&2 Mars orbit to Earth the upper stage of Eagle and Falcon parked in stable orbit around Mars.
Sadly the US Triumph was over shadow by Tragedy,
On April 28, 1989 died Astronaut Raymond Tanner on Moon during Lunar EVA under Diana 14 mission.
During exploration of Lunar lava tubes at Lacus Mortis,
So far know stumble Tanner and fall deep, hit with helmet face plate into a bolder, the resulting hole in Helmet depressurised his suit fast, killing the 31 year old astronaut.
This dead let bizarre situation what to do with Body ? Bring it to Moonlab and there to Earth ? who to store the decomposing body on station ?
In end Mission control in consultation with Tanner family made decision: his body is bury on landing site, leading to sharp protest by religious groups who worship the Moon.
NASA investigate incident and gave recommendations for handling body of dead Astronauts in Space:
„If a return of Body is not possible do safety or hygienic reason, the deceased has to „bury“ at place or hand over to Space in analog to burial at sea“
yes ! this TL has several easter eggs to Pop culture and Sci-Fi movies and Work of Stanley Kubrick
45 - ARES vs ALITA: Three - Getting Home
Aeltia-1 needed 255 days, Ares 1&2 around 240 days return to Earth.
The Long return time was chosen wisely, it was also the quarantine time for the crew, if were dangerous Mars microbe on board, it had plenty of time to do some thing.
but either on three Spaceships crews show no symptom.
October 7 ,1989. Ares 1&2 enter Earth orbit with there Nerva engines ,
while Aelita-1 crew used there Zarya capsule to return to Earth and landed in Soviet union on December 9, 1989.
it took to April 1990 for Aelita-1 to enter Earth orbit and powere there reactors down
in mean time the Politburo started investigation into „failure“ of Aelita-1 mission, led by Valery Alekseyvich Legasov of Academy of Sciences of Soviet Union.
The main guilty were the institute YaERDU that build Ion engines of Mission, they failed to build engines to TsNIIMASH specifications, resulting far lower thrust as needed.
Also that Mars Landing craft was build for specifications to descend from Mars orbit, not hyperbolic speed on arrival, made impossible to land before the Americans.
The issue was know by Ministry of space, who continue with program in hope to beat the Americans by earlier launch in march 1988.
Also USSR financial problem and budget cut in 1980s, let to suboptimal components were used, also that last Mission revision was made in 1970s
This ruled out a modification of MKP for a hyperbolic speed landing on Mars.
But Lagasov report point out that Soviets lost Mars race already in 1971, with decision to take Ion engine because Semipalatinsk Nuclear disaster.
Were Engineer Anatoly Stepanovich Dyatiov do „Criminal mismanagement of potentially dangerous device“ let to meltdown of RD-0410 Thermal Nuclear engine.
Lagasov recommendation were that USSR develop new better Nuclear Engines to power manned Spacecraft faster to Mars and beyond, and use for moment Ion engines.
For moment Aelita-1 remain in Orbit until further notice, either for new Mars mission in early 1990s or to move heavy equipment to Moon orbit…
NASA refurbish the two Ares spacecraft for future mission to Mars in 1990s.
all three Crew were in good condition after over 400 day mission, despite some ticks like George W. Bush who show phase of hyperactivity,
or like he say, „i was for 460 days in a tin can, need some run out…“
The Results of Aelita and Ares mission show unusual results, Mars had far higher concentration of Methane in atmosphere
They found Water ice under surface of Mars and also Carbon but far lower concentration as expected.
One of biggest sensation was in one samples of Rover Moritz. in 1992 NASA discovery what they called „structure that resembling fossile of bacterial-like lifeforms“.
This finding was controversial discuss by scientist world wide, special that Soviets not found in their samples any trace of those „Biomorphs“ or how they call them.
Bonus:
A exhausted President Bush dealing with his hyperactive Son during visit to white house
Aeltia-1 needed 255 days, Ares 1&2 around 240 days return to Earth.
The Long return time was chosen wisely, it was also the quarantine time for the crew, if were dangerous Mars microbe on board, it had plenty of time to do some thing.
but either on three Spaceships crews show no symptom.
October 7 ,1989. Ares 1&2 enter Earth orbit with there Nerva engines ,
while Aelita-1 crew used there Zarya capsule to return to Earth and landed in Soviet union on December 9, 1989.
it took to April 1990 for Aelita-1 to enter Earth orbit and powere there reactors down
in mean time the Politburo started investigation into „failure“ of Aelita-1 mission, led by Valery Alekseyvich Legasov of Academy of Sciences of Soviet Union.
The main guilty were the institute YaERDU that build Ion engines of Mission, they failed to build engines to TsNIIMASH specifications, resulting far lower thrust as needed.
Also that Mars Landing craft was build for specifications to descend from Mars orbit, not hyperbolic speed on arrival, made impossible to land before the Americans.
The issue was know by Ministry of space, who continue with program in hope to beat the Americans by earlier launch in march 1988.
Also USSR financial problem and budget cut in 1980s, let to suboptimal components were used, also that last Mission revision was made in 1970s
This ruled out a modification of MKP for a hyperbolic speed landing on Mars.
But Lagasov report point out that Soviets lost Mars race already in 1971, with decision to take Ion engine because Semipalatinsk Nuclear disaster.
Were Engineer Anatoly Stepanovich Dyatiov do „Criminal mismanagement of potentially dangerous device“ let to meltdown of RD-0410 Thermal Nuclear engine.
Lagasov recommendation were that USSR develop new better Nuclear Engines to power manned Spacecraft faster to Mars and beyond, and use for moment Ion engines.
For moment Aelita-1 remain in Orbit until further notice, either for new Mars mission in early 1990s or to move heavy equipment to Moon orbit…
NASA refurbish the two Ares spacecraft for future mission to Mars in 1990s.
all three Crew were in good condition after over 400 day mission, despite some ticks like George W. Bush who show phase of hyperactivity,
or like he say, „i was for 460 days in a tin can, need some run out…“
The Results of Aelita and Ares mission show unusual results, Mars had far higher concentration of Methane in atmosphere
They found Water ice under surface of Mars and also Carbon but far lower concentration as expected.
One of biggest sensation was in one samples of Rover Moritz. in 1992 NASA discovery what they called „structure that resembling fossile of bacterial-like lifeforms“.
This finding was controversial discuss by scientist world wide, special that Soviets not found in their samples any trace of those „Biomorphs“ or how they call them.
Bonus:
A exhausted President Bush dealing with his hyperactive Son during visit to white house