[Spaceships] [High-Tech] [Action] Cydonia Or Bust, TL8

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Polydamas

The problem is that with plausible near-future tech, you are stuck with Hohmann orbits and months of travel time in microgravity

Original post did allow anything in Spaceships up to TL 8. Either 'ion' drives or Orion drives will allow a mission delta-V exceeding 60 km/sec with a 50% fuel fraction, which is plenty to get to Mars and back significantly faster than Hohmann transfer, though it's still going to involve months.

Originally Posted by Polydamas

So the OP sounds like a basically cinematic idea, and worrying about how to make it realistic is probably less useful than worrying about what would make the tunnel fight on Mars really cool.

I have to agree. I'd just use the X-Com solution of captured alien equipment.