"ARES 1" Mars transfer ship

The "ARES 1" mars transfer ship is the prototype of a new type of interplanetary transport system.

It consists of two parts, a descent and ascent vehicle and a nuclear engine powered transfer stage with an inflatable habitation module.

Initial assembly takes place in earth orbit, with the lander being launched on top of a normal launch vehicle and the transfer stage being asembled in space.

The lander is capable of carying six crew and some cargo, but if needed can be converted to carry either more crew or just cargo.

Furthermore the transfer stage which suplies most of the electric power via four solar panels, also contains two large radiators for cooling both the habitate and the cryogenic fuel.