Space Coaches

An interesting new idea for a manned interplanetary spacecraft is the space coach, a ship made largely of water. Such a ship would have several advantages over traditional designs. First, it would be a true spaceship, built in space and never leaving space. Instead, it would fly between Earth orbit and targets through the Solar System. Because its technology could be constantly upgraded, a coach could last decades, flying several missions. Second, space coaches would be inexpensive. A trip to Mars could possibly cost as little as one space shuttle mission. A fleet of space coaches could lead the age of interplanetary exploration.

The key to the concept is its use of water. Superheated water would provide constant, if low thrust, propulsion. Water ice would both reinforce module walls and provide excellent radiation shielding for the crew. All that water should also aid in the growing of food during flight. Finally, water is abundant throughout the Solar System-- on Mars and moons. asteroids and comets. Such ships could top off supplies-- even possibly reshape themselves-- anywhere they went.