"Teams will develop a low-mass MAV system and mission concept that can deliver a crew of 2 from the surface of Mars to a low Mars orbit, with a dry mass limit of 5,000 kg and a wet mass limit of 20,000 kg. Teams should consider at least one of two cases for MAV deployment: a 5,000 kg dry system with subsequent propellant transfer on the surface (whether from Earth-delivered or Mars-derived propellant), and/or a 20,000 kg wet system ready for ascent upon landing. Teams do NOT need to develop an integrated Mars mission but instead must identify the necessary interfaces to support their MAV concept (e.g. what kind of vehicle is needed to deliver the crew from low Mars orbit back to their in-space transportation). Technology portfolios and system development timelines should realistically serve a mission date that is ready to land on Mars no later than December 31, 2034, with an annual budget of no more than $2 billion per year from 2025 to 2035." -RASC-AL Theme 2, Minimum Mars Ascent Vehicle.
The top Customer Requirement for the MAV to safely transport two passengers from the surface of Mars to low Mars orbit. Other requirements for the design include: must be at or below weight limit, operate within budget, include technology portfolios and system development timelines, and identify necessary interfaces to support the MAV concept. Two requirements that the team found would be nice to add for the design are synergistic applications of NASA’s planned current investments and to include innovative approaches, capabilities, and/or technologies in the MAV concept.
| Dry Mass Limit | 5,000 kg |
| Wet Mass Limit | 20,000 kg |
| Annual Budget | $2 Billion |
| Low Mars Orbit | 250 km |