Getting to Mars will require a cadence of robotic and human missions coupled with demonstrations and tests aboard ISS – and working together.
The International Space Station is the primary venue for near-term system testing and risk reduction for long-duration, deep-space missions.
The SLS, Orion Spacecraft, and associated ground infrastructure will enable us to gain human spaceflight experience in deep space. As deep space capabilities are demonstrated, there are opportunities to validate and prove them in trans-lunar space – an environment exposed to the harshest of deep-space elements while in relatively close proximity of Earth.
Mention McNerney comment on No New Battlestar investments
Early OCT budget requests were $B but no appropriations at that level. Then OCT became bill payers for SLS and Orion
IRAD is very competitive inside commercial companies. Many requests, limited funds.
Business Case investment magnitude, ROI, Time to break even drive decisions.
Boeing core markets compete at times for investment
Give examples of valley of death technology development victims (NASP, Nuclear propulsion, CPST)
SpaceX as an example of a focused and committed technology development plan (Merlin engines)
Technology risk is only one factor, market risk is another major driver
NASA Roadmaps and investment plans are excellent to assist in evaluating collaboration opportunities
More sharing of technology needs/plans across IGU will reap more chances to collaborate
However, investing with NASA in technology is more complicated than going it alone
Generally a smaller technology domain with smaller transition payback opportunities
NASA Budgetary process also adds risk to the deal, both as an investor and as a long term customer (must buy more than one offs)
Fixed price arrangements with cost sharing are very difficult to justify versus other opportunities in Boeing core markets
IP ownership is essential for any commercial partner. Data rights T&Cs can be worked out but are not easy for real technology innovations
Advanced fission or fusion reactors, propellantless propulsion systems
Power beaming for commercial and DoD missions
ISRU can be tested on ARM or a Phobos mission for evolution to Mars architectures