Architecture for Earth-Mars Cycler Constellations: System Optimization and Autonomous Safety

This paper presents the basic modeling and infrastructure analysis for a super-constellation of 16 cycler vehiclesoperating along cyclic, symmetrical heliocentric trajectories between Earth and Mars. Utilizing the patched conics approximation,this study sizes the periodic synchronization requirements based on the 2.135-year synodic period. It is demonstrated that phasing 8 vehicles per elliptical trajectory reduces the interplanetary resupply window to 97.5 days. Furthermore, the papermodels the v demands arising from real orbital perturbations (Mars’s 1.85° inclination and 0.093 eccentricity), contrastingthe efficiency of chemical and ion propulsion systems via the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation. Departing from traditional monolithicspacecraft designs, this study introduces an incremental modular growth framework, where the cycler’s core infrastructurescales dynamically through the permanent integration of spent taxi modules at each synodic perigee. A mathematicalsensitivity model for a 5-crew micro-cycler scaling from an initial 160-ton dry mass is formulated. Furthermore, we evaluate anoperational dual-docking rotation protocol that enables cooperative propulsion utilizing the residual propellant of returningtaxis prior to separation. This mechanism substantially offsets the orbital correction (v) requirements imposed by Mars’s1.85°inclination and 0.093 eccentricity, validating the systemic and economic feasibility of a continuous, scalable interplanetarytransport infrastructure. A computational governance matrix based on swarm-distributed Edge AI is proposed to mitigatethe effects of deep-space communication latencies of up to 24 minutes. As a final contribution, we propose the creation of radiobeacons in stationary orbits near Earth and Mars to enhance safety for spacecraft in orbit.