Surface Support Systems for Co-operative and Integrated Human/Robotic Lunar & Mars Exploration
- Paper number
IAC-06-A5.2.09
- Author
Mr. Robert Mueller, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Kennedy Space Center, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Purpose:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) “Vision for Space Exploration” plan has injected a new vigor and new requirements into space systems that will support operations on the surface of the Moon and eventually Mars. The NASA plan has committed to a human landing mission to the Moon by 2020. The plan envisions an evolutionary series of steps of robotic pre-cursors, Lunar testbeds, Lunar sorties and eventually a possible Lunar Outpost permanent scientific research station similar to Antarctica research stations. The object of doing this is to learn how to operate in reduced gravity/vacuum environments and expand human/robotic exploration into the Solar System with the following human/robotic step being a mission to Mars. This paper contends that such extended missions will require (i) co-operation between humans and robots, (ii) In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) as well as (iii) an integrated systems engineering approach for designing and implementing realistic surface systems solutions that utilize the strengths of humans and robotic systems to counteract their respective weaknesses. The end result is a harmonious, sustainable Surface Support System that will enable NASA’s human/robotic exploration goals.
Methodology:
Lunar and Martian Surface Operations Scenarios will be examined to determine the user needs of the active and passive stakeholders. These user needs will be translated into Surface Systems requirements and equipment categories. Metrics, modularity, parameter estimates and interfaces will be examined to establish a baseline point of departure for human/robotic surface systems concept development. The strengths and weaknesses of humans and robotic systems will be examined and categorized in order to find solutions and co-operative scenarios. New ways of achieving operations solutions through appropriate systems design will be examined.
Results:
This paper will identify and provide an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Robotic/Human Exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Conclusions:
Extended Human missions to the Moon and Mars cannot presently be achieved without the use of robotic assistance due to several factors such as crew size, human factors, maintenance requirements, allowable Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), and radiation dosage rates. A combined human/robotic approach to surface systems design and operations can mitigate these problems.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A5.2.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.