Transfer orbits and passenger modules

From: Ryan Zelnio [mailto:ryjaz@...]

> If you want a layman's view of some of the issues with
> putting something into a transfer orbit, look at
> Robert Zubrin's book "A Case for Mars" in which he
> goes through a scenario for doing what you are
> suggesting with Mars as an example though instead of
> Jupiter. But it will give you a better insight into
> the powers you need.

Bottom line, the further through a gravity well you have to travel, the
greater the delta V. Getting from here to Jupiter represents a trip through
a sizeable portion of the sun's gravity well.

> As far as cramming the shuttle with 30 people plus
> crew, disregarding even the obvious safety
> considerations this brings up, there is just not
> enough room in the cargo bay to fit that many people
> in a configuration capable of all of them withstanding
> the g forces that are experienced during a shuttle
> launch.

Are you sure? I remember shortly before the Shuttle launched, some plans
came "out from under the blotters" for passenger modules which could
accommodate 50 people on two decks. I think there was an illustration of
one in Heppenheimer's "Colonies in Space".

Regards,

Mike Combs