This paper describes an exploration architecture that carries humans to Mars. This architecture concept is considered part of Phase 3 of NASA's exploration plans. The approach addresses the fundamental challenges of deep space exploration while assuming NASA's of phase 0 through 2 proving ground activities were successful and established the intended broad range of capabilities. While much work remains to be done, the initial conclusion from this study is that an incremental, extensible and enduring exploration architecture is both feasible and affordable. The architecture capitalizes upon existing investments in key elements such as the SLS, Orion and ISS and reduces risk through each phase of the proving grounds. Additionally, the scope and breadth of the architecture creates ideal international and commercial contribution opportunities that will further the cooperation and partnerships established through the ISS and other NASA programs.
An extensible and affordable exploration architecture
2017-03-01
2187921 byte
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
An Extensible and Affordable Exploration Architecture
AIAA | 2017
|British Library Conference Proceedings | 2017
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