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Groundbreaking Mars Sample Return for Science and Human ExplorationPartnerships between science and human exploration have recent heritage for the Moon (Lunar Precursor Robotics Program, LPRP) and nearearth objects (Exploration Precursor Robotics Program, xPRP). Both programs spent appreciable time and effort determining measurements needed or desired before human missions to these destinations. These measurements may be crucial to human health or spacecraft design, or may be desired to better optimize systems designs such as spacesuits or operations. Both LPRP and xPRP recommended measurements from orbit, by landed missions and by sample return. LPRP conducted the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) missions, providing high-resolution visible imagery, surface and subsurface temperatures, global topography, mapping of possible water ice deposits, and the biological effects of radiation [1]. LPRP also initiated a landed mission to provide dust and regolith properties, local lighting conditions, assessment of resources, and demonstration of precision landing [2]. This mission was canceled in 2006 due to funding shortfalls. For the Moon, adequate samples of rocks and regolith were returned by the Apollo and Luna programs to conduct needed investigations. Many near-earth asteroids (NEAs) have been observed from the Earth and several have been more extensively characterized by close-flying missions and landings (NEAR, Hayabusa, Rosetta). The current Joint Robotic Precursor Activity program is considering activities such as partnering with the New Frontiers mission OSIRIS-Rex to visit a NEA and return a sample to the Earth. However, a strong consensus of the NEO User Team within xPRP was that a dedicated mission to the asteroid targeted by humans is required [3], ideally including regolith sample return for more extensive characterization and testing on the Earth.
Document ID
20120015348
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cohen, Barbara
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Draper, David
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Eppler, Dean
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Treiman, Allan
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
June 10, 2012
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
M12-1941
M12-1940
Meeting Information
Meeting: Concepts and Approaches for Mars Explorations 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: June 10, 2012
End Date: June 12, 2012
Sponsors: Lunar and Planetary Inst.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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