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Flexible-Path Human ExplorationIn the fourth quarter of 2009 an in-house, multi-center NASA study team briefly examined "Flexible Path" concepts to begin understanding characteristics, content, and roles of potential missions consistent with the strategy proposed by the Augustine Committee. We present an overview of the study findings. Three illustrative human/robotic mission concepts not requiring planet surface operations are described: assembly of very large in-space telescopes in cis-lunar space; exploration of near Earth objects (NEOs); exploration of Mars' moon Phobos. For each, a representative mission is described, technology and science objectives are outlined, and a basic mission operations concept is quantified. A fourth type of mission, using the lunar surface as preparation for Mars, is also described. Each mission's "capability legacy" is summarized. All four illustrative missions could achieve NASA's stated human space exploration objectives and advance human space flight toward Mars surface exploration. Telescope assembly missions would require the fewest new system developments. NEO missions would offer a wide range of deep-space trip times between several months and two years. Phobos exploration would retire several Marsclass risks, leaving another large remainder set (associated with entry, descent, surface operations, and ascent) for retirement by subsequent missions. And extended lunar surface operations would build confidence for Mars surface missions by addressing a complementary set of risks. Six enabling developments (robotic precursors, ISS exploration testbed, heavy-lift launch, deep-space-capable crew capsule, deep-space habitat, and reusable in-space propulsion stage) would apply across multiple program sequence options, and thus could be started even without committing to a specific mission sequence now. Flexible Path appears to be a viable strategy, with meaningful and worthy mission content.
Document ID
20150008926
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Sherwood, B.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Adler, M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Alkalai, L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Burdick, G.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Coulter, D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Jordan, F.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Naderi, F.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Graham, L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Landis, R.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Drake, B.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hoffman, S.
(Science Applications International Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
Grunsfeld, J.
(Space Telescope Science Inst. Baltimore, MD, United States)
Seery, B. D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
May 26, 2015
Publication Date
August 30, 2010
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Space 2010 Conference & Exposition
Location: Anaheim, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 30, 2010
End Date: September 2, 2010
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Augustine
NEO
Phobos
telescope assembly
Mars

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