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International Space Station as a Platform for Exploration Beyond Low Earth OrbitThe International Space Station (ISS) has established a new model for the achievement of the most difficult engineering goals in space: international collaboration at the program level with competition at the level of technology. This strategic shift in management approach provides long term program stability while still allowing for the flexible evolution of technology needs and capabilities. Both commercial and government sponsored technology developments are well supported in this management model. ISS also provides a physical platform for development and demonstration of the systems needed for missions beyond low earth orbit. These new systems at the leading edge of technology require operational exercise in the unforgiving environment of space before they can be trusted for long duration missions. Systems and resources needed for expeditions can be aggregated and thoroughly tested at ISS before departure thus providing wide operational flexibility and the best assurance of mission success. We will describe representative mission profiles showing how ISS can support exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, asteroids and other potential destinations. Example missions would include humans to lunar surface and return, and humans to Mars orbit as well as Mars surface and return. ISS benefits include: international access from all major launch sites; an assembly location with crew and tools that could help prepare departing expeditions that involve more than one launch; a parking place for reusable vehicles; and the potential to add a propellant depot.
Document ID
20110015518
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Raftery, Michael
(Boeing Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Woodcock, Gordon
(Boeing Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
September 27, 2010
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-21621
IAC-10-D9.2.8
IAC-10-B6.6-B3.4.1
Meeting Information
Meeting: 61st International Astronautical Congress
Location: 61st International Astronautical Congress, Prague
Country: Czech Republic
Start Date: September 27, 2010
End Date: October 1, 2010
Sponsors: International Astronautical Federation
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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