Further, once the space train starts its journey, it will never stop.
In space, the most expensive portions of travel are the acceleration and deceleration phases.
The energy required for those portions is tremendous, especially for something as heavy as a space train.
In addition, if you were to start hauling cargo, it would become very expensive.
However, once the train reached its cruising speed, its energy consumption would be minimal.
Thats the idea behind the Solar Express concept.
It would never stop; instead, space wagons/capsules would rendezvous with it.
So, how does the Solar Express would work?
Six among these would be linked together in a straight line and will move through space.
The Solar Express would first accelerate with rocket boosters.
Stored fuel contained in the vessels core could be used to make course adjustments.
The train would also use the force of gravity to move around the planets and space stations.
How do you control such a complex vehicle?
The Solar Express is a basic idea and we would like to know how we could improve it.
A trip to Mars would take less than two days, if this space train becomes a reality.
source: www.techworm.net