A shuttle between orbits

Currently in the feasibility and definition stage, ESA's LightShip propulsive tug, or interplanetary transfer service, takes away two of the constraints that would make low-cost missions to Mars extremely difficult – it provides the propulsion needed for its passenger spacecraft to transfer to Mars and enter Mars' orbit, and hosts the Mars Communication and Navigation Infrastructure (MARCONI) offering a dedicated data relay service.

The four consortia – led by Argotec, Deimos Space, Politecnico di Milano with SITAEL, and Redwire respectively – will explore the potential of passenger spacecraft platforms that could be delivered to Mars by the LightShip propulsive tug. The studies are funded through the Preparation element of ESA's Basic Activities.