NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts Fellows Meeting16 March 2005

Dr. Chris MooreExploration Systems Mission DirectorateNASA Headquarters

Exploration Systems Research & Technology

Nation’s Vision for Space Exploration

Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond

Extend human presence across the solar system, starting with a human return to the Moon by the year 2020, in preparation for human exploration of Mars and other destinations;

Develop the innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures both to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration; and

Promote international and commercial participation in exploration to further U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests.

THE FUNDAMENTAL GOAL OF THIS VISION IS TO ADVANCE U.S. SCIENTIFIC, SECURITY, AND ECONOMIC INTEREST THROUGH A ROBUST

SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Key Elements of the Nation’s Vision

• Objectives

– Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program– Extend human presence across the solar system and beyond– Develop supporting innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures– Promote international and commercial participation in exploration

• Major Milestones

– 2008: Initial flight test of CEV– 2008: Launch first lunar robotic orbiter– 2009-2010: Robotic mission to lunar surface– 2011 First Unmanned CEV flight– 2014: First crewed CEV flight– 2012-2015: Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO)/Prometheus– 2015-2020: First human mission to the Moon

Exploration Systems Spiral Objectives

• Spiral 1 (2008-2014)– Provide precursor robotic exploration of the lunar environment – Deliver a lunar capable human transportation system for test and

checkout in low Earth orbit

• Spiral 2 (2015-2020)– Execute extended duration human lunar exploration missions – Extend precursor robotic technology demonstrations at Mars

• Spiral 3 (2020-TBD)– Execute a long-duration human lunar exploration campaign using

the moon as a testbed to demonstrate systems (e.g., Lander, habitation, surface power) for future deployment at Mars

• Spiral 4 (~2025-TBD)– Execute human exploration missions to the vicinity of Mars

• Spiral 5 (~2030-TBD)– Execute initial human Mars surface exploration missions

Exploration Systems Mission DirectorateOrganization

Research & Technology

Development

for Exploration SystemsDevelopment Programs Division

CEV

Space TransSystemsSupporting

Surface Systems

SupportingIn-space Systems

HubbleServiceMission

ConstellationSystems

Exploration SystemsResearch & Tech

Human SystemResearch & Tech

TransitionPrograms Advanced Systems

& Technology

Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter

Nuclear Technology & Demonstration

(Project Prometheus)

X-37

DART

OSP

NGLT

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

Requirements Division

Business Operations Division

ESR&T Strategic Technology/Systems Model

Basic Research

Flight Mission

(e.g., Lunar Orbiter Mission)

System Test, Launch & Mission Operations

System/ Subsystem Development

Technology Demonstration

Technology Development

Research to Prove Feasibility

Basic Technology Research

Technology MaturationCapability-

Focused Technologyand Demo Programs

“Applications Pull”

e.g., SMD, NSF, NIH

e.g., ESMD,Other Agencies

e.g., ESMD, SMD &Other Agencies(Mission-Unique)

e.g., SOMD, SMD Specific Flight

Missions…

TRL 9TRL 9

TRL 8TRL 8

TRL 7TRL 7

TRL 6TRL 6

TRL 5TRL 5

TRL 4TRL 4

TRL 3TRL 3

TRL 2TRL 2

TRL 1 TRL 1

Advanced Space

Technology Research“Technology& Knowledge

Push”

System DevelopmentProjects & Programs

(e.g., CEV, Lunar Orbiter)

e.g., ESMD, SMDSpecific Flight System

Ø-C/D Projects

ESR&T OrganizationHeadquarters Office

Explorations Systems Research & Technology

Program Integration

Advanced Space Technology Program

Advanced Studies, Concepts and Tools R&T Program

Advanced Materials & Structural Concepts R&T Program

Communications, Computing, Electronics & Imaging R&T Progr

Software, Intelligent Systems & Modeling R&T Program

Power, Propulsion & Chemical Systems R&T Program

Technology Maturation Program

High Energy Space Systems Technology Demos Program

Advanced Space Systems & Platform Tech Demos Program

Advanced Space Operations Technology Demos Program

Lunar & Planetary Surface Ops Technology Demos Program

In-Space Technology Experiments Program (IN-STEP)

Innovative Partnerships Program

Small Business Innovative Research

Small Technology Transfer Research

Technology Transfer Partnerships

University-Led Partnerships

Industry-Led Partnerships

Organized by Discipline, Emphasizing the Longer-term

Organized by Functional-Area, Emphasizing Technology

Validation

Organized by Program Function, Emphasizing Types of

Relationships

Exploration Systems Research & TechnologyInvestment “Balance” - 2 Views

ESR&T Strategic Focus: TIMEFRAME(By which Technology

Must be Proven)

$

Timeframe (When Maturity Must be “Proven”)

Next 3 Years

Next 6 Years Next 9

Years Next 12 Years

ESR&T Strategic Focus: IMPACT

(of the Technology Expected to be Seen in

Missions/Systems)

$

Scale of Impact (What Influence Will the Technology Have, if “Proven”)

Sub-system Level

System-of-Systems

Level (Architecture)

“Definition of Goals” Level

15+ Years

Advanced Space Technologies ProgramElement Programs

Advanced Studies, Concepts, & ToolsRevolutionary exploration system concepts and architectures; technology assessments to identify and prioritize mission enabling technologies; advanced engineering tools for systems analysis and reducing mission risk; exploratory research and development of emerging technologies with high potential payoff.

Advanced Materials & Structural ConceptsDevelopment of high-performance materials for vehicle structures, propulsion systems, and spacesuits; structural concepts for modular assembly of space infrastructure; lightweight deployable and inflatable structures; highly integrated structural systems for reducing launch mass and volume.

Communications, Computing, Electronics, and ImagingDevelopment of advanced space communications and networking technology; high-performance computers and computing architectures for space systems and data analysis; low-power electronics to enable operations in extreme environments; imaging sensors for machine vision systems and the characterization of planetary resources.

Power, Propulsion, & Chemical SystemsDevelopment of high-efficiency power generation, energy storage, and power management and distribution systems to provide abundant power for space and surface operations; advanced chemical and electrical space propulsion systems for exploration missions; chemical systems for the storage and handling of cryogens and other propellants; chemical systems for identifying, processing, and utilizing planetary resources.Software, Intelligent Systems, & ModelingDevelopment of reliable software and revolutionary computing algorithms; intelligent systems to enable human-robotic collaboration; intelligent and autonomous systems for robotic exploration and to support human exploration; advanced modeling and simulation methods for engineering design and data analysis.

Advanced Studies, Concepts, & Tools (ASCT)Themes

Technology Systems AnalysisAdvanced Concepts

Technology DatabasesSystems Design & Engineering Analysis Tools

Exploration Systems Research & TechnologyNew Projects

• In August 2004, 48 new technology development projects led by the NASA Centers were competitively selected through Intramural Call for Proposals.

– Received over 1300 Notices of Intent outlining new ideas. – Awarded $573M over 4 years.

• In November 2004, 70 new technology development projects led by industry, academia, and other external organizations were competitively selected through Broad Agency Announcement.

– Received over 3700 Notices of Intent. – Awarded $1.1B over 4 years.

• Intramural and Extramural projects will be implemented in two phases:– Phase 1: Initial development in pilot projects lasting 1 year. Continuation

Review at end of Phase 1 to select projects that will proceed into Phase 2.– Phase 2: Full development projects lasting 3 years, delivering useful

technology products by 2009.

ESR&T Strategic Technical Challenges

Sustainable & AffordableVision for Space

Exploration

AffordableSystems & Operations

(Development, Ownership, Missions)

ReliableSystems & Operations

SafeHuman Operations

‘As Safe as Reasonably Achievable’

EffectiveMissions & Systems

Margins and Redundancy

Autonomy

ASARA Human Presence in Deep

Space

Modularity

Reusability

In-Space Assembly

Re-configurability (H/W, S/W, Systems)

Robotic Networks

Precise/ Repeatable Surface Target Access

Affordable Logistics Pre-Positioning

Energy-RichSystems and Missions

Data-Rich Virtual Presence

Space Resources Utilization

Affordable Launch of Cargo to LEO

Safe and Affordable Crew Space Access

Flexible & ExtensibleRobust in terms

of Policy, Adaptive to

Events

Cost-Effective Achievement of

Science Objectives

Stra

tegi

c Te

chni

cal

Cha

lleng

esG

rand

C

halle

nges

Nat

iona

l Goa

ls

& P

olic

ies

Strategic Technical ChallengeModularity

Technologies System Concepts

Modular Systems

Autonomous Rendezvous & Docking

Modular outpost in lunar orbit

Mechanisms & Interconnects

Strategic Technical ChallengeIn-Space Assembly

Technologies System Concepts

Modular Structures

Advanced Manipulators & Telerobotics

Large space systems with capability for growth, maintenance, and reconfigurability

MicrospacecraftInspectors

Strategic Technical ChallengeAffordable Logistics Pre-Positioning

Technologies System Concepts

High Specific Power Solar Arrays

Electric Propulsion

Solar Electric Cargo Transfer Vehicles

Composite Cryotanks

Zero-Boil-Off Cryogen Storage In-Space

Propellant Depots

Strategic Technical ChallengeEnergy Rich Systems & Missions

Technologies System Concepts

Energy Storage

Solar & Nuclear Power Generation

High Energy Space Systems

Aero-Assist Systems

Chemical & Electric Propulsion

Strategic Technical ChallengeAutonomy

Technologies System Concepts

Intelligent Robotics

Multi-Agent Teaming

Autonomous & flexible exploration systems

Health Management Systems

Strategic Technical ChallengeSpace Resources Utilization

Technologies System Concepts

Regolith handling

Propellant & oxygen production

Sustainable lunar base

Common fuel rocket engines

Exploration Systems Mission DirectorateUpcoming Solicitations

• Issued RFP for Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) on March 1, 2005.

• RFP solicits proposals for preliminary design of CEV, and a flight test program to reduce risk by 2008.

• Planning a research and technology Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for May/June, 2005. BAA will solicit proposals for rapid maturation of critical technologies needed for Spirals 1 and 2.

• Solicitations can be found on the web at:http://exploration.nasa.gov

Summary

• The Advanced Space Technology Program is the front-end of the technology development pipeline that supplies new system concepts and technologies for future exploration missions.

• NIAC is the leading edge of advanced concepts development for the Advanced Space Technology Program.

• Technology development is guided by a set of Strategic Technical Challenges and target system concepts.

Human exploration of Jovian moons