Future technologies for planetary exploration within the European Exploration Envelope Programme at the European Space Agency Jorge Alves, Ludovic Duvet, Sanjay Vijendran Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) 23/04/2018, Planetary Exploration 2061, Lausanne (CH) ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use
Agenda Background (E3P programme and ExPeRT) E3P exploration missions framework E3P programme structure E3P missions in ExPeRT Future technology challenges Technology areas in ExPeRT Period-1 Future technologies and associated missions / applications Demonstration of concepts of operations (Spaceships) E3P socio-economic benefits Critical technologies for ExPeRT Period-2 ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 2
Background Entering a new era beyond the ISS considering the priorities and infrastructure solutions for the future of Europe s involvement in exploiting LEO International drive to send robots and humans to the Moon and Mars ESA s directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes has established the European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P) for the Council Ministerial 2016 Three ESA exploration destinations viewed as part of a single exploration process The Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) programme of E3P will develop future exploration technology and also prepare new projects in human and robotic exploration for potential future implementation, with particular focus on post-iss user-driven LEO utilisation, human lunar exploration and Mars Sample Return missions for the Period-1. The goal of ExPeRT Period-1 is to prepare decisions to be made at the next Council Ministerial 2019 on implementing new exploration projects for the following decade. ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 3
Background According to ESA Space Exploration Strategy and the international context, these projects should deliver five objectives set out in the E3P Programme Proposal: Continued research and technology demonstration in LEO beyond 2024 European capability in planetary sample return for both scientific and technological benefits To exercise European leadership by implementing an affordable robotic mission consistent with the broader exploration strategy To integrate robotic and human exploration, by exploiting extended human duration missions to the lunar vicinity enabled by the Deep Space Gateway To increase the reach of European exploration activities through missions of opportunity led by new international or private-sector partners ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 4
E3P exploration missions framework Present working concept CORNERSTONES 1. LEO exploitation >2024 (ISS and transitioning to post-iss commercial partnerships) 2. Early Human mission beyond LEO (ESM + Deep Space Gateway) 3. Sample return (Moon, Phobos, Mars) 4. Long term lunar surface exploration, initiated with robotic precursor mission TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATORS 1. rendezvous/docking demonstrator 2. ISRU demonstrator MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY 1. Cooperation with CMSA on Chinese Space Station (CSS) 2. Commercialised lunar missions (communication, logistic services) 3. Cooperation with international partners on robotic lunar exploration Cornerstones Mission achieving long-term goals, consolidating strategic partnerships, advancing priority technologies, securing long-term roles ensuring the overall robustness and balance of the roadmap. Technology Demonstrator Mission demonstrate ESA priority technologies, enable innovative mission concepts contribute to sustainability of space exploration. Mission of Opportunity opportunity for advancing in a particular area. goal to demonstrate technologies close knowledge gaps. ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 5
E3P programme structure Present working concept Future E3P Programme Structure Cornerstones Technology Demo Mission of Opportunity Technologies for Exploration (ExPeRT) LEO Exploitation (ISS/post ISS Platforms) Chinese Space Station Human Missions Beyond LEO Rendezvous/ docking demonstrator commercial robotic lunar missions ISRU Demonstrator Mars Sample Return international robotic lunar cooperation Lunar Robotic Precursor Research in Space (SciSpacE) ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 6
Cornerstone Mission: Post-ISS Low Earth Orbit PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE o o o Analyse options for continuing user-driven research in LEO Pro-active engagement of private sector, which expressed interest Announcement of Opportunity published for new platforms with Human Spaceflight research and applications capability ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 7
Cornerstone Mission: Mars Sample Return (MSR) Mission Goal: By 2030, return cached samples from Mars for analysis and study on Earth Implementation Leverage on ExoMars (TGO, Rover) heritage and prep work International partnership (NASA, others) Decision on implementation phase (B2/C/D) at CM19, if confirmed for 2026 launch Outcome Return of Mars samples cached by NASA Mars 2020 rover for scientific investigations providing benefits over decades. Demonstration of autonomous Mars orbit rendezvous & capture. Consolidated partnership and preparation of roles for future robotic sample return missions and a human mission scenario. ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 8
Cornerstone Mission: Lunar Robotic Precursor to Long- Term Lunar Surface Exploration (aka HERACLES) Goal: By 2030 demonstrate integrated human-robotic mission scenario, in preparation of human lunar surface exploration. Implementation Leverage on Orion, DSG and commercial services International partnership (CSA, JAXA, CNSA, others) Decision on extended definition phase (B1) at CM19 Outcome Return of lunar samples from e.g. the South Pole Demonstration of long-range surface mobility and tele-ops Risk reduction for human missions Establishment of logistic cargo lander Consolidated partnership and roles for human mission scenario ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 9
Technology Demonstrator: In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Goal: Produce drinkable water / breathable oxygen by 2025 Implementation Mission coordinated with international Partners Engagement of new R&D actors through partnerships ESA supports prior demonstration of services led by private sector (Lunar Pathfinder (UK), Alina (DE), others) Procured as commercial service (CM19 decision) Outcome Validated ISRU processes / technologies Strong European ISRU community established Established commercial services / new procurement approach Society is attracted to the preparation of sustainable human presence in space ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 10
Future Technology Challenges Low Earth Orbit Lunar Vicinity Moon Mars Life Support (post-) ISS Chinese Space Station MELiSSA Deep Space Gateway MELiSSA Human Mission Propulsion (post-) ISS Deep Space Gateway ESM/ESM-E Human Mission HERACLES MSR- ERO Radiation (post-) ISS Deep Space Gateway Human Mission HERACLES MSR- ERO MSR- SFR Robotics (post-) ISS Deep Space Gateway HERACLES ISRU Demo Human Mission Commercial/Intl Coop Mission MSR- ERO MSR- SFR Energy Human Mission HERACLES ISRU ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 11 ISRU Demo Cornerstones Techno Demo Mission of Opportunity Human Mission
Technology areas (LEO/Cislunar, Moon, Mars) ExPeRT Period-1: Study future platforms for research and applications in LEO Technology developments for the Cislunar human-rated Deep Space Gateway Synergistic Sample Return Technologies Mars Sample Return technology developments Long-term Nuclear Power (RHUs) developments and infrastructure Long-term (chemical) propulsion developments for exploration surface missions Long-term human-robotic technology developments that enhance operational scenarios Exploration or infrastructure technology development demonstrators for missions of opportunity and small robotic platforms for Moon and future Mars exploration ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 12
Future technologies and associated missions / applications Mission Architecture and System Studies Technology Development Core and Advanced Technologies Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) Mars Sample Return Moon exploration In-Situ Resources Utilisation (ISRU) Demonstration of Operations Concepts and related technologies Socio-economic benefits assessment ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 13
Mission Architecture and System Studies AO Future Platforms for Research and Applications in LEO (post-iss) Mars Sample Return (MSR): Earth Return Orbiter Phase A/B1 Studies (Feasibility/Definition) Sample Fetch Rover Phase A/B1 Studies (Feasibility/Definition) Human-Enhanced Robotic Architecture and Capabilities for Lunar Exploration and Science (HERACLES): Ascender Subsystem Phase A Studies (Under planning) Reusable Human Ascend and Command Module Concept Study (Under planning) In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) feasibility and preparation ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 14
Core and Advanced Technologies (1/2) 20 kw Electric Propulsion (HET) with demonstration of reduced ceramic erosion rate leading to a high total-impulse capability à Approved 3D flash-lidar for a high precision and accuracy digital elevation map of the target in rendezvous applications à Approved Regenerative Fuel Cells for Mars applications, which allows in-situ resource utilisation for energy provision during operations in nighttime and dust storms à Under planning ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 15
Core and Advanced Technologies (2/2) Radiation Protection Research and Habitation Techniques with most effective, cost-efficient, network-based, innovation-driven and evolvable approach for crew and hardware in BLEO à Approved Launch Safety Process for missions with Radioisotope Power Systems, to define the safety process, procedures and requirements from the CSG Kourou à Under planning ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 16
Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) Pilot plant (MPP) and plant characterization unit (PCU) Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities are ongoing. Ground test bed activities for air revitalisation, urine treatment, food production and fat conversion à Approved ISS Demonstrators of critical life-support subsystems for Cislunar exploration à Approved ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 17
MSR Earth Return Orbiter MSR Rendezvous system further development of orbit rendezvous algorithms integrated and tested in an image-processing board used for autonomous vision-based navigation à Approved Rendezvous long-range camera to perform optical search of the orbiting samples and feed the navigation algorithms à Under planning 1kN High Thrust Apogee Engine development advance to continue the development to a generic qualification level at both medium and high altitude test facilities à Under planning Electric Propulsion (RIT) engine offers substantial mass saving at reasonable thrust levels and have high-trl à Under planning ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 18
MSR Sample Fetch Rover (1/2) Low temperature rotary actuators for long-range rover locomotion with low mass, high number of rotations, high power efficiency and thermal design for continuous operation à Under planning Low temperature motion control electronics with high energy efficiency, and a compact and low-mass design à Under planning Motion Control Chip materials and processes improved qualification in cold electronic motion control sub-systems à Under planning Low temperature Li-ion battery performance and mechanical robustness characterization à Under planning ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 19
MSR Sample Fetch Rover (2/2) Advance Mobility and Fetching for Exploration will be addressed with continual integration of rover technologies into suitable rover system breadboards, providing functional demonstration in analogue environment and demonstrating physical performance requirements à Approved MSR Sample Transfer Arm SRL s Sample Transfer Arm to transfer the sample tubes from potentially the SFR onto the MAV, using a vision-based robotic arm with high dexterity capability (still being discussed with NASA/JPL) à Under planning ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 20
MSR Sample Receiving Facility Definition of Scientific Protocol and Guidelines for creating an end-to-end process and analysis of the Mars samples on Earth, including requirements for tele-operation and contamination control à Approved Moon Exploration 6kN High-Performance Engine Concept for Exploration, with thrust levels in the medium range, i.e. higher than those provided by a single classical apogee engine, enabling the ascent from a planetary surface à Under planning In-Situ Resources Utilization (ISRU) Terrestrial ISRU system demonstrator for water and oxygen extraction from regolith and cold-trapped ice, to refill Life Support Systems à Approved ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 21
Demonstration of Concepts of Operations and Related Technologies Spaceships EAC & ECSAT, with EAC focused in low-trl technologies important for future human space exploration (LUNA analogue facility) and ECSAT in autonomy (HRAF) and analogue sample curation (SACF) applications à Under planning Socio-economic benefits E3P Socio-economic benefits assessment to support the prioritisation, planning and development of future missions. Prepare a process that identifies potential benefit types and areas, propose valuation methodologies that provide measurement of the post socio-economic impact, for each mission and the programme. Socio-Economic Benefits Phase 1 à Approved; Phase 2 à Under planning ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 22
Critical technologies for ExPeRT Period-2 ExPeRT activities will allow Europe to be flexible and to adapt to a fast-evolving exploration context. More specifically, ExPeRT goals are: Ensure that future exploration missions, projects and associated technologies are well prepared in advance; Initiate and facilitate the process towards selection of new exploration missions and projects for implementation; Establish new collaborations with international partners (both existing and emerging) to create future exploration opportunities. To prepare for future sustainable exploration, investments in technology developments are required in each of the following domains: propulsion, life support, autonomy/navigation, energy, and in-situ resource utilisation. ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 23
Technology Demonstrator: Potential Participation in HTV-X demonstration mission Goal: Demonstrate advanced GNC and rendezvous/docking technologies, space infrastructure assembly/servicing, debris removal etc. Berthing demonstration for DSG Implementation Leverage on JAXA HTV-X demonstration mission to the ISS (Partnership with JAXA and CSA) Build on ATV experience to prove capability for DSG, MSR etc. First operational use of docking and berthing mechanisms Flight demonstration of advanced (lidar, camera) RdV sensors Outcome Up-to-date European know-how in GNC, docking and advanced sensors for future operational applications Demonstration of technologies for docking/berthing validation Risk reduction for commercial undertakings ESA UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use ESA 23/04/2018 Slide 24 IBDM
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