Earth departure stage technology requirements for the Mars DRM

Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0
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(Mars DRA5.0)
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, released in 2009, presented a method for sustained human exploration of Mars using either Nuclear-Thermal Propulsion or Chemical Propulsion along with a Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle such as the Ares V. The reference heavy-lift launch vehicle for the lunar architecture program of record and several alternatives were assessed during Mars DRA5.0. Currently, the Ares V vehicle concept envisioned for use in the lunar architecture consists of two 5-segment reusable Solid Rocket Boosters, a Core Stage (CS) with five RS-68B-E/O engines, an Earth Departure Stage (EDS) powered by one J-2X engine and a Payload Shroud. Extensibility options for this vehicle concept were assessed which included the Mars mission scenario.