306-red-mars-ship-dixon – detail of colony ship from cover of Red Mars. This striking orbital perspective showcases a massive, complex interplanetary exploration vehicle arriving in Mars orbit. The vessel features a stacked, hexagonal array of cylindrical fuel tanks or habitat modules at its forward section, connected by a structural truss to an immense radiation shield. A large nuclear thermal nozzle terminates the stack. Below, the mottled, rust-colored globe of Mars curves dramatically into darkness. acrylic, around 1991
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