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Mars exploration advances: Missions to Mars - Mars baseAn overview is presented of Mars missions and related planning with attention given to four mission architectures in the light of significant limitations. Planned unpiloted missions are discussed including the Mars Orbital Mapping Mission, the Mars Rover Sample Return, the Mars Aeronomy Orbiter, and the Mars Environmental Survey. General features relevant to the missions are mentioned including launch opportunities, manned-mission phases, and propulsion options. The four mission architectures are set forth and are made up of: (1) the Mars-exploration infrastructures; (2) science emphasis for the moon and Mars; (3) the moon to stay and Mars exploration; and (4) space resource utilization. The possibility of robotic missions to the moon and Mars is touched upon and are concluded to be possible by the end of the century. The ramifications of a Mars base are discussed with specific reference to habitability and base activities, and the human missions are shown to require a heavy-lift launcher and either chemical/aerobrake or nuclear-thermal propulsion system.
Document ID
19920043692
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dejarnette, Fred R.
(NASA Mars Mission Research Center; North Carolina State University Raleigh, United States)
Mckay, Christopher P.
(NASA Ames Reseach Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 92-0485
Accession Number
92A26316
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1331
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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