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Incredible plans for futuristic spaceship dubbed ‘Titan Cosmos’ that can fly astronauts to Mars TWICE as fast as Space X
Its designer hopes the project can make long-term space missions more feasible and comfortable
A FUTURISTIC spaceship hopes to fly astronauts to Mars in just 39 days - twice as fast as Space X.
Leto Titan Cosmos, designed by Oscar Viñals, will be able to adapt to different space missions - from satellite deployment to deep space exploration and asteroid mining.
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Designed to be versatile, durable, and affordable, the spacecraft aims to be completely re-usable to be more sustainable and reduce costs.
Viñals told The Sun: “My objective was to create a 100 per cent reusable spacecraft and booster rocket.
"It was inspired by NASA's Space Shuttle and gets its name from one of the twelve Titans of the Greek mythology, the goddess Leto, who was Apollo and Artemis’ mother.
"The name is also an indirect reference about of Apollo & Artemis’ NASA space programmes."
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Viñals claims that the propulsion system of the Leto Titan Cosmos combines advanced technologies that promise to make space travel more efficient.
They could potentially shorten travel times for interplanetary missions and reduce the psychological strain of long-term space journeys.
The spacecraft can carry up to five astronauts and could travel to Mars joined by a mother-ship in just 39 days.
According to , a one-way voyage to Mars would take around nine months.
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A round-trip, however, would take about 21 months since you would need to wait about three months for Earth and Mars to be in a good place to make the return trip.
Elon Musk's Space X plans to fly astronauts to Mars in 80 to 100 days.
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Viñals spacecraft's design includes wavy shapes and strategically placed diffusers at its bottom to manage the hot space plasma created once the spaceship re-enters the atmosphere.
“This is crucial during reentry, as the plasma created by atmospheric friction is distributed in a way that prevents damage to the structure,” the designer explained.
This ensures the spacecraft can withstand the extreme conditions of atmospheric friction and reenter various atmospheres safely.
Advanced materials like thermal tiles and graphene-based structures are also incorporated into the Leto Titan Cosmos.
They will provide strength and heat resistance, enabling the spacecraft to land on diverse planet and space surfaces.
The Leto Titan Cosmos is designed to be highly versatile, able to serve a range of missions, from space exploration to asteroid mining.
Viñals explained: “It could serve as a vanguard for more ambitious missions or even function independently for private sector ventures like exploration, mining, or colonisation."
It could function independently or as part of larger missions, supporting both governmental and private space projects.
Its ability to shift between roles makes it a valuable tool for various space initiatives, including potential missions to distant planets, asteroids, and beyond.
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Life aboard the Leto Titan Cosmos would be designed with well-being and comfort in mind, incorporating research on gravity, communal spaces, and the challenges of long-term space travel.
“Space agencies have already made simulations about gravity, psychological well-being, and communal spaces, as seen on the ISS,” Viñals noted.
The spacecraft’s advanced propulsion system could reduce travel times, minimising the duration of missions in low-gravity environments and improving the comfort of the crew.
The hope is that the combination of faster travel and innovative designs will make long-term space missions more feasible and comfortable.
While the Leto Titan Cosmos is an ambitious concept, it faces significant challenges, including securing financial backing and collaboration with top aerospace minds.
“Investment, surrounding yourself with competent people, and having good feedback with other companies or agencies are essential,” the designer pointed out, adding that there's no estimated price for it yet.
However, the spacecraft’s potential to revolutionise space travel remains strong.
Acknowledging the hurdles ahead, Viñals said: “There are still a few years left before we see a revolution in the space sector.”
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Even if the full vision is not realised in the near future, the Leto Titan Cosmos could pave the way for other groundbreaking projects in space exploration.
“If it serves as inspiration, it would already be a ‘reality,’” he added.
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