Ernst Stuhlinger's Nuclear-Ion 'Umbrella Ship'
The ship was designed by Ernst Stuhlinger, who was one of Von Braun's team. The design is credited to 1957, but was based on a US Army Ballistic Missile Agency study that dates from 1954. This was one of the first realistic studies of what a nuclear electric spacecraft could look like. Featuring a striking design with a large, round radiator for the reactor, the 'Umbrella Ship' has captured imaginations for decades.
A fleet of 10 would be assembled in sections brought up from Earth in re-usable shuttlecraft. The journey to Mars would take about three and a half years, with 400 days on the surface of the Red Planet.
This design has always fascinated me, and I eventually had to take a crack at it.
Umbrella Ship being assembled in Earth Orbit.
Umbrella Ship fleet leaving Earth for Mars.
Umbrella Ship in deep space.
Umbrella Ship fleet arriving at Mars.
Last minute orbit corrections.
The lander disengaging and preparing for the descent to the surface of Mars.
The lander during entry.
Touchdown on the Red Planet!
Studio shot underside.
Studio shot above the radiator.
Orthographic 3/4 view.
Orthographic forward view.
Orthographic view from above.
Orthographic view from below.