Into the Beyond: A Crewed Mission to a Near-Earth Object

Paper number

IAC-07-B3.5.06

Author

Dr. David Korsmeyer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Ames Research Center, United States

Coauthor

Robert Landis, United States

Coauthor

Paul Abell, Unknown

Year

2007

Abstract

Aside from the exploration of Mars, the objects past the Moon that most capture our interest are the Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). These asteriods are ideal candidates for post-lunar deep space operations and explorations as we extend the human presence out into the solar system.  The notion of a crewed mission to a near-Earth object (NEO) was first discussed and analyzed in depth as part of the Space Exploration Initiative in 1989 (Davis et al., 1990).  The most recent assessment has been undertaken by the Advanced Projects Office (APO) within NASA's Constellation Program (Landis et al, 2007).  This particular study examined the feasibility of sending a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), the Orion spacecraft, to a NEO.  Depending on the suite of spacecraft and integrated components, a mission profile would include two or three astronauts on a 90 to 120 day spaceflight; including a 7 to 14-day stay at the NEO itself.
Missions to NEOs provide Exploration with an uncanny suite of benefits:  operational experience beyond cislunar space (i.e., the manned CEV will be several light-seconds from the Earth); risk reduction for space hardware; confidence building for future mission scenarios; in situ resource utilization (ISRU) evaluation; as well as a rich scientific return.  Further, in terms of Dv and propellant requirements, NEOs are more easily accessible than the surface of the Moon or Mars with mission lengths no longer than a fraction of an ISS expedition.  This incremental step along the way towards Mars can mark humanity's first foray beyond the Earth-Moon system.


REFERENCES
Davis, Donald R., et al., The Role of Near-Earth Asteroids in the Space Exploration Initiative, SAIC-90/1464, Study No. 1-12-232-S28 (1990).
Jones, Thomas D. et al., "Human Exploration of Near-Earth Asteroids," Earth Hazards Due to Comets and Asteroids, pages 683-708, University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona (1994).
Jones, Thomas D., et al.  "The Next Giant Leap:  Human Exploration and Utilization of Near-Earth Objects," The Future of Solar System Exploration 2003-2013 ASP Conference Series, 272:141-154 (2002).
Mazanek, Daniel D., et al., "Near-Earth Object Crew Mission Concept Status," NASA Internal Study (14 December 2005).
Nash, Douglas B. et al., Science Exploration Opportunities for Manned Missions to the Moon, Mars, Phobos and an Asteroid, NASA Office of Exploration Doc No. Z-1.3-001/JPL Publication 89-29 (30 June 1989).

Abstract document

IAC-07-B3.5.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B3.5.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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