> I've only read the books, not seen the TV version, but the Expanse universe relies on the "Epstein Drive" as a magical plot device to ignore any inconvenience

> I've only read the books, not seen the TV version, but the Expanse universe relies on the "Epstein Drive" as a magical plot device to ignore any inconveniences of intra-system travel. That's because they are operating on a much grander scale and there are plot constraints(it would be too slow and boring otherwise). It doesn't take an Epstein drive to move stuff (or people) to and from Mars. Transit time will be very inconvenient, as wekk as launch windows. But this is not too different from early sea-based exploration on Earth, voyages would take months at a time. Now, if you want to go to Saturn and back in reasonable timeframes (or even further), then yes, that's beyond current capability. EDIT: The TV version is amazing. You should watch it. The attention to detail, while not perfect, is outstanding.