robit_lover t1_ixstdnn wrote on November 26, 2022 at 1:42 AM

Reply to comment by sonoma95436 in NASA’s Orion capsule captures gorgeous close-up pictures of the moon by Miguenzo

There is nobody who uses the term "stepping stone to Mars" in the literal sense that a mission to Mars will first go to the moon. The term is used to describe using the moon as a test bed to develop the technology needed for Mars in a more forgiving environment. In terms of launch vehicle performance, the moon is almost exactly as difficult to reach as mars, and the life support systems needed for the long duration missions planned will be directly transferrable to Mars.

piggyboy2005 t1_ixtoowo wrote on November 26, 2022 at 6:58 AM

Also I hate that a lot of people assume the stepping stone idea means it will land on the moon, instead of rendezvous with something launched from the moon, like in high earth orbit for example, which would reduce the delta v needed immensely compared to landing on the moon.