Space Exploration: Man or Machine

Paper number

IAC-06-D1.4.01

Author

Mr. John Lymer, MDA, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Dan King, MacDonald Dettwiler Space and Advanced Robotics Ltd., Canada

Year

2006

Abstract

The direction of near term space exploration is at a decision point. The question at hand is whether it is beneficial to mount robotic missions to the moon and Mars to pave the way for future, comfortable human exploration and settlement, or whether it is more efficient to mount a series of progressively more sophisticated missions with the aim of successfully allowing humans to be the first settlers of the moon and explorers of Mars.

The path of exploration for the last few decades has been to trail blaze with expendable robotic machines with the idea that once we get enough experience with the robots, and a basic infrastructure established, we could send humans. The scientific data collected during the frequent and often inexpensive robotic missions provides highly desired information that, like all new information, leaves scientists with more questions than answers, but one step closer to the truth. With each mission, the data returned brings us closer to executing a human mission with acceptable risk. Once a human is allowed to explore, the volume of returned information and progress towards settlement increases dramatically.

Recently, the direction of lunar exploration at NASA has shifted to a human oriented approach. The idea is to return humans to the moon using available technology, much along the lines of the Apollo program. Early robotic exploration missions are included in the plan, but their role is limited to basic environmental and topological data collection. The rationale is that humans are much more capable, dependable and cost efficient than robotic explorers and builders. 

This paper will explore the benefits of each approach and propose a cost effective solution that exploits the strengths of both. The lessons learned from recent robotic Mars exploration missions and the Robotic Hubble Repair Mission will be applied to a cooperative human–robotic solution for the Vision for Space Exploration.

Abstract document

IAC-06-D1.4.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D1.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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