Exploration Systems Research & Technology NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts Fellows Meeting 16 March 2005 Dr. Chris Moore Exploration Systems Mission Directorate NASA Headquarters
Nation s Vision for Space Exploration THE FUNDAMENTAL GOAL OF THIS VISION IS TO ADVANCE U.S. SCIENTIFIC, SECURITY, AND ECONOMIC INTEREST THROUGH A ROBUST SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond Extend human presence across the solar system, starting with a human return to the Moon by the year 2020, in preparation for human exploration of Mars and other destinations; Develop the innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures both to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration; and Promote international and commercial participation in exploration to further U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests.
Key Elements of the Nation s Vision Objectives Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program Extend human presence across the solar system and beyond Develop supporting innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures Promote international and commercial participation in exploration Major Milestones 2008: Initial flight test of CEV 2008: Launch first lunar robotic orbiter 2009-2010: Robotic mission to lunar surface 2011 First Unmanned CEV flight 2014: First crewed CEV flight 2012-2015: Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO)/Prometheus 2015-2020: First human mission to the Moon
Exploration Systems Spiral Objectives Spiral 1 (2008-2014) Provide precursor robotic exploration of the lunar environment Deliver a lunar capable human transportation system for test and checkout in low Earth orbit Spiral 2 (2015-2020) Execute extended duration human lunar exploration missions Extend precursor robotic technology demonstrations at Mars Spiral 3 (2020-TBD) Execute a long-duration human lunar exploration campaign using the moon as a testbed to demonstrate systems (e.g., Lander, habitation, surface power) for future deployment at Mars Spiral 4 (~2025-TBD) Execute human exploration missions to the vicinity of Mars Spiral 5 (~2030-TBD) Execute initial human Mars surface exploration missions
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Organization Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Requirements Division Development for Exploration Systems Programs Division Business Operations Division Hubble Service Mission Research & Technology Development Constellation Systems Nuclear Technology & Demonstration (Project Prometheus) Exploration Systems Research & Tech Human System Research & Tech CEV Space Trans Systems Supporting Surface Systems Supporting In-space Systems Transition Programs X-37 DART OSP NGLT Advanced Systems & Technology Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter
ESR&T Strategic Technology/Systems Model System Test, Launch & Mission Operations TRL 9 Flight Mission System/ Subsystem Development Technology Demonstration Technology Development Research to Prove Feasibility Basic Technology Research TRL 8 TRL 7 TRL 6 TRL 5 TRL 4 TRL 3 TRL 2 TRL 1 Basic Research Advanced Space Technology Research Technology & Knowledge Push Technology Maturation Capability- Focused Technology and Demo Programs Applications Pull System Development Projects & Programs (e.g., CEV, Lunar Orbiter) (e.g., Lunar Orbiter Mission) e.g., SMD, NSF, NIH e.g., ESMD, Other Agencies e.g., ESMD, SMD & Other Agencies (Mission-Unique) e.g., ESMD, SMD Specific Flight System Ø-C/D Projects e.g., SOMD, SMD Specific Flight Missions
ESR&T Organization Headquarters Office Explorations Systems Research & Technology Program Integration Advanced Space Technology Program Advanced Studies, Concepts and Tools R&T Program Advanced Materials & Structural Concepts R&T Program Communications, Computing, Electronics & Imaging R&T Progr Software, Intelligent Systems & Modeling R&T Program Power, Propulsion & Chemical Systems R&T Program Organized by Discipline, Emphasizing the Longer-term Technology Maturation Program High Energy Space Systems Technology Demos Program Advanced Space Systems & Platform Tech Demos Program Advanced Space Operations Technology Demos Program Lunar & Planetary Surface Ops Technology Demos Program In-Space Technology Experiments Program (IN-STEP) Organized by Functional-Area, Emphasizing Technology Validation Innovative Partnerships Program Technology Transfer Partnerships Small Business Innovative Research Small Technology Transfer Research University-Led Partnerships Industry-Led Partnerships Organized by Program Function, Emphasizing Types of Relationships
Exploration Systems Research & Technology Investment Balance - 2 Views ESR&T Strategic Focus: TIMEFRAME (By which Technology Must be Proven) $ Next 3 Years Next 6 Years Next 9 Years Next 12 Years Timeframe (When Maturity Must be Proven ) 15+ Years ESR&T Strategic Focus: IMPACT (of the Technology Expected to be Seen in Missions/Systems) $ Sub-system Level System-of- Systems Level (Architecture) Definition of Goals Level Scale of Impact (What Influence Will the Technology Have, if Proven )
Advanced Space Technologies Program Element Programs Advanced Studies, Concepts, & Tools Revolutionary exploration system concepts and architectures; technology assessments to identify and prioritize mission enabling technologies; advanced engineering tools for systems analysis and reducing mission risk; exploratory research and development of emerging technologies with high potential payoff. Advanced Materials & Structural Concepts Development of high-performance materials for vehicle structures, propulsion systems, and spacesuits; structural concepts for modular assembly of space infrastructure; lightweight deployable and inflatable structures; highly integrated structural systems for reducing launch mass and volume. Communications, Computing, Electronics, and Imaging Development of advanced space communications and networking technology; highperformance computers and computing architectures for space systems and data analysis; low-power electronics to enable operations in extreme environments; imaging sensors for machine vision systems and the characterization of planetary resources. Power, Propulsion, & Chemical Systems Development of high-efficiency power generation, energy storage, and power management and distribution systems to provide abundant power for space and surface operations; advanced chemical and electrical space propulsion systems for exploration missions; chemical systems for the storage and handling of cryogens and other propellants; chemical systems for identifying, processing, and utilizing planetary resources. Software, Intelligent Systems, & Modeling Development of reliable software and revolutionary computing algorithms; intelligent systems to enable human-robotic collaboration; intelligent and autonomous systems for robotic exploration and to support human exploration; advanced modeling and simulation methods for engineering design and data analysis.
Advanced Studies, Concepts, & Tools (ASCT) Themes Advanced Concepts Technology Systems Analysis Systems Design & Engineering Analysis Tools Technology Databases
Exploration Systems Research & Technology New Projects In August 2004, 48 new technology development projects led by the NASA Centers were competitively selected through Intramural Call for Proposals. Received over 1300 Notices of Intent outlining new ideas. Awarded $573M over 4 years. In November 2004, 70 new technology development projects led by industry, academia, and other external organizations were competitively selected through Broad Agency Announcement. Received over 3700 Notices of Intent. Awarded $1.1B over 4 years. Intramural and Extramural projects will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1: Initial development in pilot projects lasting 1 year. Continuation Review at end of Phase 1 to select projects that will proceed into Phase 2. Phase 2: Full development projects lasting 3 years, delivering useful technology products by 2009.
ESR&T Strategic Technical Challenges National Goals & Policies Sustainable & Affordable Vision for Space Exploration Grand Challenges Affordable Systems & Operations (Development, Ownership, Missions) Reliable Systems & Operations Safe Human Operations As Safe as Reasonably Achievable Effective Missions & Systems Flexible & Extensible Robust in terms of Policy, Adaptive to Events Strategic Technical Challenges Margins and Redundancy Autonomy ASARA Human Presence in Deep Space Cost-Effective Achievement of Science Objectives Modularity Reusability Robotic Networks Precise/ Repeatable Surface Target Access Energy-Rich Systems and Missions Data-Rich Virtual Presence Space Resources Utilization Affordable Launch of Cargo to LEO In-Space Assembly Re-configurability (H/W, S/W, Systems) Affordable Logistics Pre-Positioning Safe and Affordable Crew Space Access
Strategic Technical Challenge Modularity Technologies System Concepts Modular Systems Autonomous Rendezvous & Docking Modular outpost in lunar orbit Mechanisms & Interconnects
Strategic Technical Challenge In-Space Assembly Technologies System Concepts Modular Structures Advanced Manipulators & Telerobotics Large space systems with capability for growth, maintenance, and reconfigurability Microspacecraft Inspectors
Strategic Technical Challenge Affordable Logistics Pre-Positioning Technologies System Concepts Electric Propulsion High Specific Power Solar Arrays Solar Electric Cargo Transfer Vehicles Composite Cryotanks Zero-Boil-Off Cryogen Storage In-Space Propellant Depots
Strategic Technical Challenge Energy Rich Systems & Missions Technologies System Concepts Solar & Nuclear Power Generation Energy Storage High Energy Space Systems Chemical & Electric Propulsion Aero-Assist Systems
Strategic Technical Challenge Autonomy Technologies System Concepts Intelligent Robotics Multi-Agent Teaming Autonomous & flexible exploration systems Health Management Systems
Strategic Technical Challenge Space Resources Utilization Technologies System Concepts Regolith handling Propellant & oxygen production Sustainable lunar base Common fuel rocket engines
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Upcoming Solicitations Issued RFP for Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) on March 1, 2005. RFP solicits proposals for preliminary design of CEV, and a flight test program to reduce risk by 2008. Planning a research and technology Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for May/June, 2005. BAA will solicit proposals for rapid maturation of critical technologies needed for Spirals 1 and 2. Solicitations can be found on the web at: http://exploration.nasa.gov
Summary The Advanced Space Technology Program is the front-end of the technology development pipeline that supplies new system concepts and technologies for future exploration missions. NIAC is the leading edge of advanced concepts development for the Advanced Space Technology Program. Technology development is guided by a set of Strategic Technical Challenges and target system concepts. Human exploration of Jovian moons