Editing Mars Direct (section)

====Landing and surface operations====

Upon reaching Mars, the upper stage would be jettisoned, with the Habitat Unit [[aerobraking]] into Mars orbit before soft-landing in proximity to the ''Earth Return Vehicle''. Precise landing would be supported by a radar beacon started by the first lander. Once on Mars, the crew would spend 18 months on the surface, carrying out a range of scientific research, aided by a small rover vehicle carried aboard their Mars Habitat Unit, and powered by the methane produced by the Earth Return Vehicle.