Future Directions: Strategy for Human and Robotic Exploration Gary L. Martin Space Architect September, 2003
Robust Exploration Strategy Traditional Approach: A Giant Leap (Apollo) Cold War competition set goals, National Security justified the investment Singular focus on the Moon Humans in space an end unto itself Robotic exploration secondary to crewed missions Rigid timeframe for completion with unlimited resources Technologies are destination- and system-specific Inspirational outreach and education secondary to programs New Strategy: Stepping Stones and Flexible Building Blocks NASA Vision and Mission drive goals and must justify investment Robust and flexible capability to visit several potential destinations Human presence is a means to enable scientific discovery Integrate/optimize human-robotic mix to maximize discovery Timeframe paced by capabilities and affordability Key technologies enable multiple, flexible capabilities Inspiration and educational outreach integral to programs In today s environment, this approach to exploration is high-risk with limited vision beyond demonstrating a technology capability This approach is robust and flexible, driven by discovery, and firmly set in the context of national priorities 2
Flow Down Space Act & NASA Strategic Plan Science : Questions, Pursuits, Activities Requirements and Systems Engineering Space Architect Focus Architectural Studies & Technology Trades Programmatic and Technology Road Maps Products: Gap Analysis Integrated Space Plan, Technology Requirements, Priorities, and New Initiatives 3
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Science Drivers Determine Destinations (Selected Examples) Science Questions How did the Solar System evolve? How did we get here? Where are we going? Pursuits Planetary sample History of analysis: absolute major Solar System events age determination calibrating the clocks How do humans Effects of adapt to space? deep space on cells What is Earth s Impact of sustainability and human and habitability? natural events upon Earth Are we alone? Is there Life beyond the planet of origin? Activities Origin of life in the Solar System Origin of life in the Universe Destinations Asteroids Moon Mars Venus Measurement of genomic responses to radiation Beyond Van Allen belts Measurement of Earth s vital signs taking the pulse Earth orbits Libration points Detection of biomarkers and hospitable environments Cometary nuclei Europa Libration points Mars Titan 5
Stepping Stones Capability Development 6
Progression in Capability Development Exploration Metro Map Sun, Mercury, Venus Sun-Earth L 1, L 2 Earth High Earth Orbit Earth-Moon L 1, L 2 Low Earth Orbit Moon Earth s Neighborhood Accessible Planetary Surfaces Mars Outer Planets and beyond 7
Key Technology Challenges Space Transportation Safe, fast, and efficient Affordable, Abundant Power Solar and nuclear RLV NEP Space Solar Power Invariant Manifolds Aerobraking Crew Health and Safety Counter measures and medical autonomy Optimized Robotic and Human Operations Dramatically higher productivity; on-site intelligence M2P2 L 1 Outpost Artificial Gravity Space Systems Performance Advanced materials, low-mass, self-healing, self-assembly, self-sufficiency Robonaut Gossamer Telescopes Nanotube Space Elevator 8
Integrated Space Transportation Plan Update: 10/24/02 International Space Station 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 US Core Complete IP Core Complete ISS Extend? Future Exploration beyond LEO? Space Shuttle Competition Decisions Operate Thru Mid Next Decade Extend? Extend Until 2020+ Further Extend as Crew and/or Cargo Vehicle? Orbital Space Plane Design FSD Decision Orbital Tech Demo Development ISS Crew Return Capable Crew Transfer on Human- Rated EELV Operations OSP Primary Crew Vehicle? Next Generation Launch Technology Tech Launch System Decision (Based on Reqt, $, DoD) Risk Reduction FSD Decision Long-Term Technology Program Development 1st Flight OSP Bridge To New Launcher Operations Hypersonic FSD? 9
As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it. Antoine de-saint-exupery 10