Advanced Mission Systems Concepts in Support of Space Exploration
- Paper number
IAC-06-D4.1.07
- Author
Mr. Jefferey Cardenas, Universities Space Research Association, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The NASA Vision for Space Exploration has developed an Exploration Systems Architecture for returning humans to the Moon and Mars. The goal of this architecture will be to provide capabilities for a long-term space presence, and to provide for the future robotics and human exploration of the solar system. Through synergistic applications and combinations of the initially planned Exploration Vision missions, system elements, and the associated infrastructure for lunar exploration - coupled with unique combinations of the planned elements with new innovative capabilities and/or technologies to support the robotic and crewed exploration of the universe - a robust and far reaching program, with revolutionary capabilities for future generations, can be achieved. Various scenarios address novel and robust applications, with an objective of sustaining a permanent and exciting space exploration program. Key elements of this approach are… • Scientific evaluation and rationale of mission destinations for the development of an exciting and sustainability space exploration program; • Unique applications of a lunar architecture for future missions; • Synergistic application of innovative capabilities and/or new technologies for an evolutionary architecture development to enable future missions, reduce cost, or improve safety; • Systems analysis of requirements and the infusion and utilization emerging technologies from all sources; • Assessment of Technical Readiness Levels of mission-enabling technologies; and • Realistic assessment of project cost/schedule, within government budget constraints. It is important to note that the sustainability of the Exploration Vision has implications beyond NASA. This involves structuring programs and incentives adequately to encourage broad participation, both foreign and domestic. A sustainable exploration program must be designed to maintain, among other attributes, relevance to the public at large amidst considerable funding uncertainty. A consideration for what contributes to sustainability will thus greatly increase the return on public and private investment, and potentially create more value for stake-holders over time. Through the implementation of advanced mission systems concepts and their development in the following areas, the following goals and objectives can be achieved… 1. Development of Extended Lunar Outpost and Mission Support Systems (expanded transportation architecture with or without in-situ resource utilization, surface systems, science measurements and operations); 2. Mars Transportation Architecture Concepts; 3. Development of Mars Outpost and Science Support Systems (surface systems, operations, and in-situ resource utilization); 4. Asteroid and Near Earth Object Mission Concepts; and 5. Establishment of Commercial Utilization of Exploration Infrastructure.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D4.1.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.