Apollo Energy Systems Plans Zero-pollution Vehicles for Mars

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--Aug. 21, 2001--Wouldn't it be great if we could start all over again with zero-polluting cars? That's the plan for Mars.
    The first generation Mars Manned Rover, called the EVEREST, will be shown at the Mars Society Convention at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California from August 23 to 26. It will be powered by a non-polluting power system consisting of Apollo(TM) Alkaline Fuel Cells and Lead Cobalt Batteries designed by Apollo Energy Systems of Florida (AES). Alkaline Fuel Cells have been used by NASA since the Apollo Moon Mission of the 1960s.
    The propulsion system for the second generation vehicle, the OLYMPUS, is being designed now by AES. It will have a top speed of 40 mph, acceleration from zero to 40 mph in 15-seconds, will climb a 45-degree grade at 15 mph and will have a range of 600 miles before refilling the oxygen and hydrogen tanks. It will be completely free of all harmful emissions.
    Gas guzzling vehicles have polluted our earth to the point that Mars Society members who will attend the Convention are making plans for the colonization of the red planet and for travel in clean, zero-emission electric vehicles. As large surfaces on Mars are covered with ice, scientists are sure that geothermal heated water lies below the surface. That water can be turned into oxygen and hydrogen needed to power Apollo(TM) Fuel Cells which will keep the Lead Cobalt Propulsion Batteries charged. Mars Electric Rovers will never have to be recharged!
    To save time and money, the Moon and the Space Station can be by-passed with direct missions to Mars, using launching technology available today. Traveling to Mars and living on Mars can be a lot easier and less expensive than most people thought. AES has designed an On-Site Apollo Power Plant (powered by its fuel cells and batteries) which can provide electricity to the Mars colonies. Vegetables and fruit can be grown in inflatable greenhouses.
    Mars travelers will be able to return to earth in ERVs (Earth Return Vehicles) powered by rocket fuel which can be made on Mars. The first mission to Mars will carry tons of hydrogen which can be combined with the carbon dioxide of Mars to produce methane. Methane and oxygen can be made into rocket fuel. The first colony on Mars can produce additional hydrogen and oxygen from water and therefore almost unlimited supplies of methane can be produced, assuring unlimited travel between the two planets. And Apollo(TM) Fuel Cells can run on methane and oxygen for space or surface travel.