In my 1994 book, “The Future of U.S Rocketry” there is a section on ultra large launch vehicles (ULLV). Included is a design concept for a launch rocket wth a 600,000 pound payload to low earth orbit. Also included are ideas on how a manned journey to Mars could be accomplished with three launches to low earth orbit of spacecraft elements, including propellants, that would be assembled to accomplish the mission.
Interesting is Elon Musk’s recent presentation to the International Astronautical Congress on September 26 of his plans for a manned journey to Mars. It would involve launching three ultra large launch vehicles with a payload lift capability to low earth orbit of 600,000 pounds each, followed by assembly in orbit of the spacecraft elements and loading propellants necessary for the mission.
Not everything that was predicted came to pass, but that’s how it goes with predictions. The book shows a concept for the follow-on to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) which is right on the money.
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