The Martian Challenge - Recreating the film's Ares III mission

[Mopoii]

The Martian challenge

Many of you will have seen The Martian (or even read the book!), and you will know it’s got a great storyline which is relatively realistic. That is why I thought it very interesting to recreate it in KSP. Therefore, the point of this challenge is to recreate the Ares III mission displayed in The Martian. You will have to design the vehicles present in the story, and then attempt to save Mark Watney.

There are 2 parts to this challenge : the Design part, where you have to create similar vehicles as those in The Martian and IRL, or recreate them in the game. The second part is the Mission part, where you recreate the Ares III mission for start to end, and even do a little bit of historic preparation.

In the story, there are such things as the “Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV)”, but here, we’ll be calling them “Duna Ascent Vehicle (DAV)”. This applies to other things. Electric charge will be referred to as "EC".

As the challenge is quite big, the number of requirements per vehicle is relatively low, but feel free to get closer to the actual thing, I’ve included links to Wiki pages and more just for that !

The challenge is open to Stock and both DLCs. If you wish to use Restock+, that’s fine with me. Other mods will be accepted, as long as they are balanced, but put in a different category. Btw, no ISRU is to be used apart for the DAV. Tweakscale is allowed for SRBs and fuel tanks. Feel free to use Hyperedit to test your spacecraft and to give updates without having to plan a whole mission.

 

Challenge vehicles (100 design points) :

 

Duna surface (36 points) :

 

- Duna Ascent Vehicle (DAV) : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/Mars_Ascent_Vehicle (10 points)

            Is comprised of 3 stages : the 1^st with landing legs and descent engines ; the 2^nd with ascent engines ; and the 3^rd with vacuum-optimised engines (+4)

            Can transport a crew of 6 from the surface of Duna to LDO (+4)

            Can ISRU autonomously (but has to land with 1/13 of total fuel capacity) (+2)

- Duna Descent Vehicle (DDV) : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/Mars_Descent_Vehicle (4 points)

            Can safely transport a crew of 6 down to the surface of Duna from LDO (+2)

              Can undock from Hermes and initiate descent by its own (+2)

- Surface Exploration Vehicle (SEV) : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/Rover_1 (6 points)

            Rover can fit in a crew of 2 (+2)

            Works on electricity only (+2)

            Charges using solar panels (+2)

- Pathfinder Lander : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Pathfinder (6 points)

            Can generate EC through RTG (+2)

            Can be docked to the SEV to produce EC using the RTG (+2)

            Can produce EC through solar panels (+2)

- Sojourner Rover : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_(rover) (4 points)

            Can rove around for a bit (+2)

            Is powered by a solar panel (+2)

- Duna Lander Habitat (Hab) : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/The_Hab (6 points)

            Can fit in a crew of 6 (+4)

            Can store and produce electric charge using solar panels (+2)

            Comprises 3 airlocks (stock or DLC) (+2)

Spacecraft (30 points) :

 

- Hermes : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/Hermes_Spacecraft (16 points)

            Can travel to Duna from LKO (and back) using ion propulsion only (+4)

            Can store and produce EC (+2)

            Has a rotating artificial gravity ring (+4)

            Can communicate directly from Duna back to Kerbin and the other way round (+2)

            Has at least one airlock (DLC or Lander Can) (+2)

            Can dock with Kerbin-rated capsules and DAV (+2)

- EMU : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/EMU (4 points)

            Is just big enough so a single Kerbal can fit in (+2)

            Comprises RCS to manoeuvre single Kerbals in orbit (+2)

- Supply Module : https://www.space.com/30739-the-martian-spaceships-explained-infographic.html (4 points)

            Can dock autonomously to the flying-by Hermes from LKO (+2)

            Fits in a standard Atlas V 500 series fairing (+2)

- Orion Capsule : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion_(spacecraft) (6 points)

            Can fit 7 Kerbals (+4)

            Can dock to the Hermes on its own (+2)

Rockets (34 points) :

 

- Atlas V 500 series : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_V (6 points)

            Comprises 2 strap-on SRBs (+2)

            Comprises 2 liquid-fuel stages (Atlas CCB ; Centaur) (+2)

            Can launch the Supply Module to LKO (+2)

-Delta II : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_II#Vehicle_description (8 points)

            Comprises 9 strap-on SRBs (+2)

            Comprises 3 stages (Delta XLT ; Delta K ; PAM-D) (+2)

            Can launch Pathfinder and Sojourner together to Duna (+4)

- Chinese rocket (6 points)

            Create or replicate a Chinese-like rocket (e.g. Long March 3C) that can launch the Supply Module to the Hermes while it is on the return trajectory (+4)

            Comprises 2 strap-on boosters (LF or SRB) (+2)

 

-Ares V : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ares_V (8 points)

            Is comprised of 2 liquid fuel stages (+2)

            Has 2 SRBs (+2)

            Can carry large payloads to Duna [60-70 tonnes] (+4)

- Ares I : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ares_I (6 points)

            Is comprised of an SRB first stage and a liquid fuel second stage (+4)

            Can carry the Orion capsule to LKO (+2)

 

Bonus design points :

Duna surface :

DAV : 3 landing legs

           3 landing engines ; 6 ascent engines ; 4 vacuum engines

           Enters atmosphere with heat protection

SEV : 4 wheels

          Detachable trailer

Pathfinder : 3 unfolding solar panels

                      Enters atmosphere with heat protection (heat shield & shell)

Sojourner : 6 wheels

                    Fits inside folded Pathfinder

Spacecraft :

Supply module : 3 inline engines

Orion : 2 drogue chutes & 3 main chutes

             Service module (1 main engine, 8 auxiliaries, 4 solar panels, radiators, all-direction RCS)

             Working and effective LAS (abort motor, jettison motor, attitude control, protective shell)

Rockets :

Atlas V : Ressembles 500 series

                Second stage is encased in fairing

Delta II : SRB 3rd stage 

                Only 6 SRBs ignited at liftoff, 3 remaining ignited after separation

Ares V : 5 or 6 LF engines on first stage, 1 or 2 LF engines on upper stage

               Fairing does not extend out

               No apparent control devices

Ares I : Upper stage extends out relative to first stage

              No apparent control devices

 

Challenge mission guide (100 mission points):

 

 Pre-mission launches (40 points) :

 

- Launch Pathfinder and Sojourner on a Delta II and land them on Duna (+6)

 

- Launch the Hab on an Ares V and land it on Duna (70 km away from Pathfinder) (+6)

- Launch the first DAV (for Ares III mission) on an Ares V and land it right next to the Hab (+10)

- Launch the second DAV (for Ares IV mission) on an Ares V and land it on Duna (about 300 km away from the Hab) (+4)

- Launch the 2 SEVs near the Hab/DAV (can be remotely driven to the Hab/DAV if necessary) (+4)

- Launch unmanned Hermes into LKO (one or multiple launches) (+10)

 

Crewed nominal Ares III mission (14 points) :

 

- Launch the crew of 6 with the Orion capsule to the Hermes spacecraft in LKO (+2)

- Take the Hermes to Low Duna Orbit (LDO) (+6)

- Take the crew to the surface of Duna using the DDV and land it next to the Hab/DAV (+6)

 

Crewed anomaly mission (46 points):

 

- Launch the first DAV with 5 of the crew to LDO, leaving one behind on Duna  (+4)

- With the remaining member of crew, drive to Pathfinder in the SEV (+6)

- Drive back with Pathfinder on the SEV, connected to produce EC (+4)

- Drive all the way to the second DAV in the “upgraded” SEV (+10)

 

- Get the Hermes on a return trajectory to Kerbin, but change it midway to encounter Duna again by doing a Rich Purnell manoeuvre : https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/the-martian/images/9/9d/The_Martian_Route_2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20161214181517 (+10)

- Launch the Supply Module and dock it to the Hermes (+4)

 

- Launch the last crew member in the second DAV to LDO (+2)

- Get out of the capsule and compensate the speed difference between the astronaut and the Hermes , then board the Hermes (+4)

- Get back to Kerbin and land in an Orion capsule (+2)

 

Any further resemblances with the film’s or book’s craft design and mission shall be rewarded with extra points. The use of life support mods and system rescaling will be rewarded. Those who complete the challenge with the requirement indicated above shall be rewarded with honours and the completion badge.

 

 

Resources :

A bit of info about the vehicles : https://www.space.com/30739-the-martian-spaceships-explained-infographic.html

Some cool blueprints (great for DAV) : http://www.shirahockman.com/2337338-the-martian#3

About Pathfinder : https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1996-068A

Various angles of the DAV : http://fantastic-plastic.com/mars-ascent-vehicle-mav-from-the-martian---catalog.html

The Martian Wiki : https://the-martian.fandom.com/wiki/The_Martian_Wikia

Inspiration for the Chinese rocket : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_March_(rocket_family)

Mission info for Pathfinder and Sojourner : https://mars.nasa.gov/MPF/mpf/launch_profile.html and https://mars.nasa.gov/MPF/mpf/mpfcruise.html

The trajectory of Hermes with the Rich Purnell manoeuvre (see 0:55) : http://www.galactanet.com/martian/hermes.mp4

The challenge's badges are derived from the Ares Program emblem found on The Martian Wiki.

 

If you have any ideas about things to add to the challenge or change about it, please tell me. I shall be creating badges for the challenge, for different levels of completion. I will attempt the challenge myself. Feel free to share the progress in the design process and mission. Have fun with the challenge and good luck !

 

Leaderboard :

 

Design :

1 - @Mopoii (24 points)

2 - @jinnantonix (18 points)

3 - 

Mission :

1 - 

2 - 

3 - 

Edited July 8, 2019 by Mopoii

[Mopoii]

As I said, I'm participating in this challenge, so here is my progress. For now, I've made the DAV and Pathfinder + Sojourner.

I tried to make the DAV look at much like the MAV seen in the film, so I copied shape, characteristics, stages, ascent etc. It can actually fit 7 kerbals, and has plenty of extra deltaV. The capsule is made of an Mk3 Command pod, 3 Mk1 Inline Cockpits (which allow for little windows) and an Mk1 Lander Can. It also has a shielded docking port and RCS to connect to the Hermes spacecraft.

Here is the gallery showing it's capability to land at Duna autonomously and take the capsule to LDO : https://imgur.com/gallery/DmvAOwE

For Pathfinder and Sojourner, I actually flew the mission completely. Again, I tried to make them ressemble their real-life counterparts the most possible, while keeping the part count reasonable. The type of engines used, their thrust, the shape of the craft, the mission profile and many other things were replicated as best I could. Thanks to Breaking Ground's robotics, I was able to recreate the folding mechanism of the lander. 

Here is the full mission gallery : https://imgur.com/gallery/6ujyBzU 

I hope you have as much fun doing the challenge as I am at the moment. Please tell me if you're participating, that way I can know and we can make the challenge more visible, creating more activity, so more fun ! Again, if you have any suggestions about things to modify or add to the challenge, I would be glad to hear. Don't hesitate about regularly posting about your progress, I'm keen on seeing how you're all doing. Good luck !

PS : As I move along with the challenge, I might change a few things about it, if ever I see it can be made more fun and more open.

[jinnantonix]

Hi @Mopoii, I am keen to do this challenge.  I am just finishing up my submission for @Death Engineerings Konstellation Space Program, so will have a prebuilt Ares 1 and Ares V to use.  My Orion has 6 seats, so I will upgrade that to 7 seats.

For realism , suggest adding some points for completing with a life support mod (eg TAC-LS).  

Some questions:

• For the rotating ring, I assume it is OK to rotate the entire vessel rather than needing some kind of bearing to spin the ring independently.
• Is a ring really needed or appropriate?  Is it OK to use an alternative configuration (e.g. star or T) that is more practical and realistic?
• Is a lander can door considered to be an airlock?  
• Is it OK to use Tweakscale (and still be considered a stock entry).  Mechjeb?  Any other restrictions on mods?
• Why no ISRU?  Isn't that how the DAV works in the movie?  I have no problem with the rule, just curious, why?

Quote

Here is the gallery showing it's capability to land at Duna autonomously and take the capsule to LDO : https://imgur.com/gallery/DmvAOwE

• Is that a 5 seat capsule?  Not stock?

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by jinnantonix

[Mopoii]

 

Glad to hear you're interested ! Now, here are the answers to your questions :

On ‎6‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:13 AM, jinnantonix said:

For realism , suggest adding some points for completing with a life support mod (eg TAC-LS).

That's a good idea, I'll add that suggestion for extra points 

On ‎6‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:13 AM, jinnantonix said:

• For the rotating ring, I assume it is OK to rotate the entire vessel rather than needing some kind of bearing to spin the ring independently. 
• Is a ring really needed or appropriate?  Is it OK to use an alternative configuration (e.g. star or T) that is more practical and realistic?

The rotating part is quite essential, as it is there to generate artificial gravity, without which the astronauts could barely stand up on Mars after staying in 0g for 6 odd months. However, if you wish to rotate the entire vessel, that's fine for me. 

On ‎6‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:13 AM, jinnantonix said:

Is a lander can door considered to be an airlock?  

Yeah, that's fine, it's just we don't want the inside of the pressurised Hab to be exposed to the low-pressure exterior.

On ‎6‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:13 AM, jinnantonix said:

Is it OK to use Tweakscale (and still be considered a stock entry).  Mechjeb?  Any other restrictions on mods?

Sorry but no Tweakscale  (now allowed for SRBs and Fuel Tanks) or Mechjeb for a stock entry. It's really that a stock entry has to obey the stock playstyle (ie using multiple parts when some aren't big enough, making vehicles that are easy enough to fly by hand etc.). If you wanted Mechjeb to get precise landings, I suggest you use the Trajectories mod, it'll be counted as a stock entry. 

If you want to use mods that add realism, such as a life-support mod (as discussed earlier), a system rescale, or close future parts (as the ion engines used on the Hermes are more advanced than the stock ones), that's all good, it'll just register in a different category.

On ‎6‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:13 AM, jinnantonix said:

Why no ISRU?  Isn't that how the DAV works in the movie?

Thanks for saying that, I had no idea. I looked it up and it looks like it needs to bring its own hydrogen with it though. So I'll change the rules and allow ISRU for the DAV, but it'll need to bring at least 1/13th of the total fuel & oxidizer down to the surface (as for every kg of hydrogen, it can make 13 kg of fuel [and oxidizer I suppose]).

 

On ‎6‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 4:13 AM, jinnantonix said:

Is that a 5 seat capsule?  Not stock?

It is stock, however it consists of an mk3 Command Pod, an mk1 Lander Can and 3 mk1 Inline Cockpits, so it's really a 7 seat capsule.

A

Edited June 23, 2019 by Mopoii

[jinnantonix]

Although it is isn't a requirement for the challenge, I have included an additional launch of the Duna Global Surveyor, which is launched on a Delta II rocket prior to the Pathfinder launch, and arrives at Duna prior to the Pathfinder probe, burning into a highly elliptical polar orbit.  The DGS acts as a relay to allow near continuous communication with Pathfinder and Sojourner.

[jinnantonix]

The craft designs are now mostly completed (still working on the Hermes), and I have started a mission log: Ares - "The Martian" recreated in Kerbal Space Program with Breaking Ground.  My plan is to do a video of each part of the Ares program that pertains to the Ares III mission, and post in the mission log.

1. Pathfinder and Global surveyor mission (2 launches)
2. Ares Space Dock ** and Hermes assembly in LKO (4 x Ares V launches), with ion engine and rotor test.*
3. Ares III Duna Ascent Vehicle, followed on next window by Ares IV Duna Ascent Vehicle and Ares III Duna Habitat/SEV
4. Orion launch (on Ares I), rendezvous art Ares Space Dock, Hermes transit to Duna, land in MAV, do science, and launch DAV to orbit (minus Mark Watney)
5. MW in SEV retrieves Pathfinder and RTG and then travels to DAV 2
6. Hermes does Rich Purnell manoeuvre, and rendezvous with Chinese resupply ship at Kerbin, launch of DAV 2, rendezvous with Hermes, and safe return to Kerbin.

* Not shown.  Ares I and Ares II DAV, Hab/SEV, and Orion launches (6 launches).

** Yes, I know, a space station is not part of the challenge, but I am doing it anyway.

Note:  In the story "The Martian", the Hab is built requiring 14 x separate launches.  I propose to launch the Hab and 2 SEVs in a single transit, and land them on Duna in a single sequence.

Edited July 9, 2019 by jinnantonix

[Mopoii]

Good progress @jinnantonix ! I like the fact that you added DGS, that was well thought. I also love the way you designed Pathfinder's camera, looks fantastic ! I've awarded you with all the according points for Pathfinder, Sojourner and your Delta II. Keen to see the rest ! 

On ‎6‎/‎30‎/‎2019 at 3:41 PM, jinnantonix said:

Note:  In the story "The Martian", the Hab is built requiring 14 x separate launches.  I propose to launch the Hab and 2 SEVs in a single transit, and land them on Duna in a single sequence.

And yes, that seems perfectly fine to me, if you can fit it into the Ares V's fairing, you might as well do it in a single launch. 

[jinnantonix]

Thanks @Mopoii.   In addition to Pathfinder and DGS, the first Hohmann window included the transit of Duna Ascent Vehicle 1, and landing at a site about 70km from Pathfinder.  Below is a teaser.

Spoiler

Screenshot:

https://i.imgur.com/I9KXUxz.png

 

Some raw footage of the DAV landing

https://youtu.be/DNnSpKj2Q4c

 

 

 

 

[jinnantonix]

A sneak-peek of the the Hermes under construction at the Ares Space Dock.  The EMU (upper left) has just placed the fourth and final Hermes Rotor arm (artificial gravity system).  Now just waiting for the ion engine to be launched and assembled.

Spoiler

 

[jinnantonix]

Hi @Mopoii I just noticed that you state this requirement:

- Launch the Hab on an Ares V and land it on Duna (70 km away from Pathfinder) (+6)

- Launch the first DAV (for Ares III mission) on an Ares V and land it right next to the Hab (+10)

 

In the book " The Martian" the MAV lands 4 years prior to the mission in order to refuel. The Hab and SEVs come after the MAV.  Note when Mark Watney gets to the Ares IV MAV, there is no Hab nor SEVs present.

So in my videos on my mission log: Ares - "The Martian" recreated in Kerbal Space Program with Breaking Ground, I land the DAV first and then land the Hab and SEVs .  I have discovered that it is really impractical to expect that the Hab can be landed "right next to the DAV".  IRL this would very difficult to get right, there would need to be a design contingency for the Hab landing some distance away.  It turns out that my SEVs can drag the Hab to the DAV, and initially that was my plan.  Then I thought, why would they bother to do that, why not just use the SEVs to ferry the crew to the DAV?  Same with the DDV landing and crew getting to the Hab.  Doesn't really wreck the story, in fact it makes it more realistic.

Also I have been wondering why the Hermes has a big airlock attached to the nose.  It features in the story, where the hatch is blown off with a bomb in order to slow the Hermes when rescuing Watney in Mars orbit.  The airlock obviously attaches to the MDV during transit to Mar (this is not mentioned in the story), but the MDV could easily just attach directly to the nose of the Hermes command pod.  Same too with docking the MAV with the Hermes in Mars orbit to transfer the crew back to the Hermes.  I have decided that this redundant airlock is included when the Hermes is resupplied between the Ares II and Ares III missions, and contained supplies.  It should have been ejected to save weight, but hey, it's just a story.

Edited July 8, 2019 by jinnantonix

[Mopoii]

13 hours ago, jinnantonix said:

Then I thought, why would they bother to do that, why not just use the SEVs to ferry the crew to the DAV?  Same with the DDV landing and crew getting to the Hab.  Doesn't really wreck the story, in fact it makes it more realistic.

You're quite right, seems perfectly reasonable. As for the order of arrival, this is not critical. The point is just to get the vehicles there at more-or-less the right place.

Concerning the Hermes, the presence of an airlock is only required as it is used by the astronauts when doing EVA, as in the story. You don't need to bother making it perfect

[jinnantonix]

 

Quote

You don't need to bother making it perfect

 

Perhaps not, but I am trying to. 

[jinnantonix]

Calculating the Rich Purnell Maneuvre. 

The Hermes spends about 520 Kerbal days from Duna to Kerbin and back to Duna, which is similar to the timeframe in "The Martian".

 

Edited July 9, 2019 by jinnantonix

[Mopoii]

I've been doing more work on completing the challenge, so here is the showcase of my Ares I, along with the Orion capsule and service module. I tried to make it as close as I could to what it would have been, with a reasonable part count (even though it's all the way up to 200!) and stock-only parts.

Here is the gallery showing its capabilities : https://imgur.com/gallery/KnqXOPa

The first stage is a cluster of 9 Kickback SRBs. The rest of the first stage is structural and is used for control. As KSP SRBs do not have gimbal, whereas actual Shuttle-derived SRBs do. This makes it necessary to use quite a few reaction wheels, which are stored inside the Structural Tubes. Then, the interstage is made using an engine plate. The first stage has a Rhino engine, simulating the J-2X used in the real world. Now to Orion : the service module has radiators, 1 main engine, 8 auxiliary engines, omnidirectional RCS and four solar panels ; the capsule has 2 drogue chutes and 3 main chutes, all stored inside a cover which is jettisoned for deploy. Finally, it has a functional Launch Abort System, with abort engines, jettison motors and attitude control engines (and a capsule cover obviously).

I've also been progressing on various other vehicles, but I'll post about them only once I'm closer to a finished product.

 

[Mr. Peabody]

On 6/13/2019 at 12:12 PM, Mopoii said:

<snip>

I've got the "right stuff" as far as the username is concerned.  ^^

This is @The Dunatian, and I approve this challenge. 

[jinnantonix]

Quote

I've been doing more work on completing the challenge, so here is the showcase of my Ares I

Nice work.  I have had a big rethink on my Ares I, Drogue chutes, protective shell for launch, auxiliary engines, safety/redundancy.   Orion and the ESA service module is a fascinating engineering project.  This video is very interesting.

My Ares 1 and Orion tests:  https://youtu.be/wmO_L7j7hyc

 

 

 

 

Edited July 13, 2019 by jinnantonix

[Mopoii]

On 7/10/2019 at 3:58 PM, The Dunatian said:

This is @The Dunatian, and I approve this challenge. 

Should I understand that as you are participating? 

[Mr. Peabody]

7 hours ago, Mopoii said:

Should I understand that as you are participating? 

I'm dreadfully busy at present, but I hope to participate. 

[jinnantonix]

Ares III mission completed !

Mark Watney and crew safely back on Kerbin.  Full mission log is here.

Completed with Kerbal Space Program with Making History and Breaking Ground v1.7.2  Mods:   Restock and Restock+, Tweakscale,  TAC-LS

I believe I scored all points for design and game play with the following exceptions:

Minus bonus points:

• DAV : Enters atmosphere with heat protection.  The DAV is slowed using propulsion from the Ares V EDS and its own Descent engines, and does not require heat shielding
• SEV : 4 wheels.  The mission included two SEVs, each with 6 wheels, which I believe is same as the SEVs in the story.
•           Detachable trailer:  SEVs can dock with each other, creating a single vehicle with 6 seats for transporting all members of the crew to delivery vehicles in a single journey.
• Delta II : SRB 3rd stage only 6 SRBs ignited at liftoff, 3 remaining ignited after separation.  All SRBs ignited on launch -although I could have easily done this, I just didn't read requirements carefully enough
• Ares V: Fairing does not extend out.  For the DAV and Hermes rotor assembly, the cargo required a slightly wider fairing.

Add bonus points

• Used TAC-Life Support for the mission.
• Added Duna Global Surveyor

@Mopoii let me know if you need any clarifications or additional images.  Thanks for setting up and running the challenge, it's been awesome fun.

Edited July 19, 2019 by jinnantonix