emerging technologies in aerospace
Fix Your Mars Mission Mass Budget in 2026
Skipping orbital insertion and using hypersonic aerocapture can shave up to 80% off the propellant mass needed for a Mars mission. By letting the planet’s atmosphere do the heavy lifting, launch vehicles can carry larger scientific suites or crew habitats without exceeding launch-vehicle limits. Ditch Retro-Rockets for Hypersonic Aerocapture