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Lunar precursor missions for human exploration of Mars--III: studies of system reliability and maintenanceDiscussions of future human expeditions into the solar system generally focus on whether the next explorers ought to go to the Moon or to Mars. The only mission scenario developed in any detail within NASA is an expedition to Mars with a 500-day stay at the surface. The technological capabilities and the operational experience base required for such a mission do not now exist nor has any self-consistent program plan been proposed to acquire them. In particular, the lack of an Abort-to-Earth capability implies that critical mission systems must perform reliably for 3 years or must be maintainable and repairable by the crew. As has been previously argued, a well-planned program of human exploration of the Moon would provide a context within which to develop the appropriate technologies because a lunar expedition incorporates many of the operational elements of a Mars expedition. Initial lunar expeditions can be carried out at scales consistent with the current experience base but can be expanded in any or all operational phases to produce an experience base necessary to successfully and safely conduct human exploration of Mars. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Document ID
20050193975
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mendell, W. W.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Heydorn, R. P.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Acta astronautica
Volume: 55
Issue: 3-9
ISSN: 0094-5765
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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