The document outlines NASA's vision and plans for space exploration, including returning humans to the Moon by 2020 and eventually sending humans to Mars. It discusses key elements like developing new technologies, promoting commercial participation, and major milestones. It also summarizes NASA's Exploration Systems Research and Technology program which develops new technologies and concepts through projects, demonstrations and programs to enable sustainable human exploration of the solar system.
1. NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts Fellows Meeting16 March 2005Dr. Chris MooreExploration Systems Mission DirectorateNASA HeadquartersExploration Systems Research & Technology
2. Nation’s Vision for Space ExplorationImplement a sustainedand affordablehuman and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyondExtend 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 infrastructuresboth to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration; andPromote international and commercial participationin exploration to further U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests. THE FUNDAMENTAL GOAL OF THIS VISION IS TO ADVANCE U.S. SCIENTIFIC, SECURITY, AND ECONOMIC INTEREST THROUGH A ROBUST SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM
3. Key Elements of the Nation’s Vision•Objectives–Implement a sustainedand affordablehuman 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
4. 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 andcheckout 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
5. Exploration Systems Mission DirectorateOrganizationResearch & TechnologyDevelopment for Exploration SystemsDevelopment Programs DivisionCEVSpace TransSystemsSupporting Surface SystemsSupportingIn-space SystemsHubbleServiceMissionConstellationSystemsExploration SystemsResearch & Tech Human SystemResearch & TechTransitionProgramsAdvanced Systems& TechnologyJupiter Icy Moons OrbiterNuclear Technology & Demonstration (Project Prometheus) X-37DARTOSPNGLTExploration Systems Mission DirectorateRequirements DivisionBusiness Operations Division
6. ESR&TStrategic Technology/Systems ModelBasic ResearchFlight Mission (e.g., Lunar Orbiter Mission) System Test, Launch & Mission OperationsSystem/ Subsystem DevelopmentTechnology DemonstrationTechnology DevelopmentResearch to Prove FeasibilityBasic Technology ResearchTechnology MaturationCapability- Focused Technologyand Demo Programs“Applications Pull” e.g., SMD, NSF, NIHe.g., ESMD, Other Agenciese.g., ESMD, SMD & Other Agencies(Mission-Unique) e.g., SOMD, SMD Specific Flight Missions… TRL 9TRL 9TRL 8TRL 8TRL 7TRL 7TRL 6TRL 6TRL 5TRL 5TRL 4TRL 4TRL 3TRL 3TRL 2TRL 2 TRL 1 1Advanced Space Technology Research “Technology& Knowledge Push” System DevelopmentProjects & Programs (e.g., CEV, Lunar Orbiter) e.g., ESMD, SMDSpecific Flight System Ø-C/D Projects
7. ESR&T Organization
Headquarters OfficeExplorations Systems Research & TechnologyProgram IntegrationAdvanced Space Technology ProgramAdvanced Studies, Concepts and Tools R&T ProgramAdvanced Materials & Structural Concepts R&T ProgramCommunications, Computing, Electronics & Imaging R&T ProgrSoftware, Intelligent Systems & Modeling R&T ProgramPower, Propulsion & Chemical Systems R&T ProgramTechnology Maturation ProgramHigh Energy Space Systems Technology Demos ProgramAdvanced Space Systems & Platform Tech Demos ProgramAdvanced Space Operations Technology Demos ProgramLunar & Planetary Surface Ops Technology Demos ProgramIn-Space Technology Experiments Program (IN-STEP) Innovative Partnerships ProgramSmall Business Innovative ResearchSmall Technology Transfer ResearchTechnology Transfer PartnershipsUniversity-Led PartnershipsIndustry-Led PartnershipsOrganized by Discipline, Emphasizing the Longer-termOrganized by Functional-Area, Emphasizing Technology ValidationOrganized by Program Function, Emphasizing Types of Relationships
8. Exploration Systems Research & Technology
Investment “Balance” -2 Views
ESR&T Strategic Focus: TIMEFRAME(By which Technology Must be Proven) $ Timeframe (When Maturity Must be “Proven”) Next 3 YearsNext 6 YearsNext 9 YearsNext 12 YearsESR&T Strategic Focus: IMPACT(of the Technology Expected to be Seen in Missions/Systems) $ Scale of Impact (What Influence Will the Technology Have, if “Proven”) Sub-system LevelSystem-of- Systems Level (Architecture) “Definition of Goals” Level15+ Years
9. Advanced Space Technologies ProgramElement 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 researchand 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; high- performance 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 andsurface 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.
11. 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.
12. ESR&T Strategic Technical ChallengesSustainable & AffordableVision for Space ExplorationAffordableSystems & Operations (Development, Ownership, Missions) ReliableSystems & OperationsSafeHuman Operations ‘As Safe as Reasonably Achievable’EffectiveMissions & SystemsMargins and RedundancyAutonomyASARA Human Presence in Deep SpaceModularityReusability In-Space AssemblyRe-configurability (H/W, S/W, Systems) Robotic NetworksPrecise/ Repeatable Surface Target AccessAffordable Logistics Pre-PositioningEnergy-RichSystems and MissionsData-Rich Virtual PresenceSpace Resources UtilizationAffordable Launch of Cargo to LEOSafe and Affordable Crew Space AccessFlexible & ExtensibleRobust in terms of Policy, Adaptive to EventsCost-Effective Achievement of Science Objectives Strategic Technical ChallengesGrand ChallengesNational Goals & Policies
13. Strategic Technical Challenge
ModularityTechnologiesSystem Concepts
Modular Systems
Autonomous Rendezvous & Docking
Modular outpost in lunar orbit
Mechanisms & Interconnects
14. Strategic Technical Challenge
In-Space AssemblyTechnologiesSystem Concepts
Modular Structures
Advanced Manipulators & Telerobotics
Large space systems with capability for growth, maintenance, and reconfigurability
MicrospacecraftInspectors
15. Strategic Technical Challenge
Affordable Logistics Pre-PositioningTechnologiesSystem Concepts
High Specific Power Solar Arrays
Electric Propulsion
Solar Electric Cargo Transfer Vehicles
Composite Cryotanks
Zero-Boil-Off Cryogen Storage
In-Space Propellant Depots
16. Strategic Technical Challenge
Energy Rich Systems & MissionsTechnologiesSystem Concepts
Energy Storage
Solar & Nuclear Power Generation
High Energy Space Systems
Aero-Assist Systems
Chemical & Electric Propulsion
17. Strategic Technical Challenge
AutonomyTechnologiesSystem Concepts
Intelligent Robotics
Multi-Agent Teaming
Autonomous & flexible exploration systems
Health Management Systems
18. Strategic Technical Challenge
Space Resources UtilizationTechnologiesSystem Concepts
Regolithhandling
Propellant & oxygen production
Sustainable lunar base
Common fuel rocket engines
19. 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 maturationof critical technologies needed for Spirals 1 and 2.
•Solicitations can be found on the web at:
http://exploration.nasa.gov
20. 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 TechnicalChallenges and target system concepts.
Human exploration of Jovianmoons