April 5th 2042
Earth Return Vehicle (ERV) Alpha A3 has been launched on a return flight. This follows the evaluation by mission planners that the base is now in a long-term sustainable condition.
The ERVs were always intended as an emergency return-to-earth vehicle which could be used to evacuate the base in the early stages should it prove impossible to sustain a crew on the surface. In the long-term the intention is that there will be regular shuttle flights. Now that the base is properly established, the Martian Shuttle project team will take a more active role on operational activity.
Until the shuttles come on line the ERVs will provide the only functional return-to-earth facility. Although they will not be sufficient to evacuate the entire base, there may be medical emergencies which require a team member to be sent home. There will therefore be an ERV available to the base until the shuttles are fully functional.
Unfortunately the ERVs have a limited life expectancy, so it will be necessary to replace them every two/three years. This does, however, provide an opportunity for sample-return and a considerable amount of samples have been packed onto Alpha A3 for the return home. Scientists across the world will be anxiously awaiting it's return.
Earth Return Vehicle (ERV) Alpha A3 has been launched on a return flight. This follows the evaluation by mission planners that the base is now in a long-term sustainable condition.
The ERVs were always intended as an emergency return-to-earth vehicle which could be used to evacuate the base in the early stages should it prove impossible to sustain a crew on the surface. In the long-term the intention is that there will be regular shuttle flights. Now that the base is properly established, the Martian Shuttle project team will take a more active role on operational activity.
Until the shuttles come on line the ERVs will provide the only functional return-to-earth facility. Although they will not be sufficient to evacuate the entire base, there may be medical emergencies which require a team member to be sent home. There will therefore be an ERV available to the base until the shuttles are fully functional.
Unfortunately the ERVs have a limited life expectancy, so it will be necessary to replace them every two/three years. This does, however, provide an opportunity for sample-return and a considerable amount of samples have been packed onto Alpha A3 for the return home. Scientists across the world will be anxiously awaiting it's return.