Space Exploration: EVA and EVR
- Paper number
IAC-08.B3.6.10
- Author
Mr. Dan King, MDA, Canada
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Although the Vision for Space Exploration calls for the combined use of human and robotic assets to enable a sustained human presence on the moon and human missions to Mars, the early stages of implementation as they have emerged from NASA design studies involve human and robotic missions in space as essentially separate activities that interact only through the data produced by each. While robotic precursor missions are already being developed to provide necessary data for the selection of landing sites and the design of surface systems for future manned missions, extravehicular activity (EVA) and extravehicular robotic systems (EVR) like those presently in use on the Space Shuttle and ISS would be vital to enhance the utility and capabilities of future Space Exploration Systems, such as Orion/Constellation. By considering complementary EVA and EVR functionality within future missions and systems, capabilities other than human transportation can be supported – such as upgrade/servicing of orbiting space telescopes, and asteroid exploration. Only conscious management choices in system and mission designs will ensure that the technologies and operational processes being developed and deployed can support those additional missions, while reducing risks and costs for subsequent surface missions that demand cooperative operations by both EVA and EVR. This paper will examine opportunities to address the EVA / EVR needs of these future missions in the context of manned and unmanned precursor missions, parallel operations on the ISS and Moon/Mars Exploration applications. Key challenges and risks to be addressed will be described. Potential cost and risk reduction benefits for lunar surface missions as well as benefits from additional Orbital (e.g. Orion/Constellation) and robotic precursor missions will also be discussed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B3.6.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.