New cheaper way to get to Mars, Ballistic orbit:

http://phys.org/news/2014-12-ballistic-capture-cheaper-path-mars.html

Uses 25% less fuel. My only question is the time to get to Mars. Already the trip takes 6 odd months and you could be subjected to high levels of radiation from solar storms if one aims itself at you on the way.

So does this new way add to the time for the trip?

I suspect it will and it won't be safe to go to Mars till rockets like Vasimir comes online with its month long time to Mars, reducing the risk of radiation exposure.

Originally posted by sonhouse
http://phys.org/news/2014-12-ballistic-capture-cheaper-path-mars.html

Uses 25% less fuel. My only question is the time to get to Mars. Already the trip takes 6 odd months and you could be subjected to high levels of radiation from solar storms if one aims itself at you on the way.

So does this new way add to the time for the trip?

I suspect it will ...[text shortened]... Vasimir comes online with its month long time to Mars, reducing the risk of radiation exposure.

The piece acknowledges it won't be good for humans but cargo maybe. It looks like it takes months longer. Like I said, humans will need Vasimir type rockets.