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Europa
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Homework Statement
A manned expedition is planned to be sent to Mars in 2023, one way. If the colony module was 100.0 tonnes in mass. Determine the work that must be done by the rockets to carry this colony from Earth to the surface of Mars.
Homework Equations
ET = PE +KE
PE = -GmM/r
KE = 1/2mv^2
The Attempt at a Solution
Escape speed on Earth is 11 200 m/s
Escape speed of Mars is 5000 m/s
Do i just do energy required to break free of Earth's gravity and add in energy gained from Mar's gravity, since it'll pull you in once you're close to it?
1/2 * 1000 * (11200)^2 - 1/2 * 1000 * (5000)^2 = 5.02 * 10 ^10 J
However, my friend said that the sun plays a role in this question as well and i don't exactly see how it does, if the sun is involved, could someone please explain why and how to account for it please?