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    Will SpaceX launch for Mars in the 2018 window?

    Created by traviswfisher on {{qctrl.question.created_time | dateStr}}
    Published by traviswfisher on {{qctrl.question.publish_time | dateStr}}

    Question

    SpaceX has declared an intention to launch a "Red Dragon" spacecraft for a soft landing on Mars "as soon as 2018," per the initial announcement on twitter.

    Per the more detailed article, this will be a joint effort with NASA, with NASA providing technical support in exchange for data taken by SpaceX's craft. The mission will employ SpaceX's "Falcon Heavy" for launch and a new version of the "Dragon 2" spacecraft for transit.

    The biennial Mars low energy launch window is from April to May 2018.

    Will SpaceX successfully launch a rocket towards Mars in this window?

    This will resolve positive if SpaceX successfully launches a rocket towards Mars by June 15, 2018. "Successfully" here will mean that a spacecraft is on a Mars trajectory and in control as of time of completion of its last main engine burn to enter cruise phase.

    Categories:
    Technological Advances
    Industry – Space
    Series — SpaceX
    Technology – Space

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