Exploration Systems Research & Technology
NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts Fellows Meeting 16 March 2005
Dr. Chris Moore Exploration Systems Mission Directorate NASA Headquarters
Nation’s Vision for Space Exploration THE FUNDAMENTAL GOAL OF THIS VISION IS TO ADVANCE U.S. SCIENTIFIC, SECURITY, AND ECONOMIC INTEREST THROUGH A ROBUST SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM
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.
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 Directorate
Organization Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
Requirements Division
for Exploration Systems Development Programs Division
Business Operations Division Hubble Service Mission
Research & Technology Development
CEV Exploration Systems Research & Tech Human System Research & Tech
Nuclear Technology & Demonstration (Project Prometheus)
Constellation Systems
Space Trans Systems
Transition Programs
Advanced Systems & Technology
X-37
Supporting Surface Systems
DART
Supporting In-space Systems
NGLT
OSP
Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter
ESR&T Strategic Technology/Systems Model
System Test, Launch & Mission Operations
System/ Subsystem Development
TRL 9
Flight Mission
(e.g., Lunar Orbiter Mission)
TRL 8
System
Development
TRL 7 Technology Demonstration
Technology Development
Projects & Programs
TRL 6
Technology Maturation
TRL 5 TRL 4
Research to Prove Feasibility
Basic Technology Research
Advanced Space Technology Research
TRL 3 TRL 2
(e.g., CEV, Lunar Orbiter)
CapabilityFocused Technology and Demo Programs
“Applications Pull”
“Technology & Knowledge Push”
Basic Research
TRL 1
e.g., SMD, NSF, NIH
e.g., ESMD, Other Agencies
e.g., ESMD, SMD & Other Agencies (Mission-Unique)
e.g., ESMD, SMD Specific Flight System Ø-C/D Projects
e.g., SOMD, SMD Specific Flight Missions…
ESR&T Organization Headquarters Office Explorations Systems Research & Technology Program Integration
Advanced Space Technology Program
Technology Maturation Program
Innovative Partnerships Program
Advanced Studies, Concepts and Tools R&T Program
High Energy Space Systems Technology Demos Program
Technology Transfer Partnerships
Advanced Materials & Structural Concepts R&T Program
Advanced Space Systems & Platform Tech Demos Program
Small Business Innovative Research
Communications, Computing, Electronics & Imaging R&T Progr
Advanced Space Operations Technology Demos Program
Small Technology Transfer Research
Software, Intelligent Systems & Modeling R&T Program
Lunar & Planetary Surface Ops Technology Demos Program
University-Led Partnerships
Power, Propulsion & Chemical Systems R&T Program
In-Space Technology Experiments Program (IN-STEP)
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 & Technology Investment “Balance” - 2 Views
$ ESR&T Strategic Focus: TIMEFRAME (By which Technology Must be Proven)
Next 3 Years
Next 6 Years
Next 9 Years
Next 12 Years
15+ Years
Timeframe (When Maturity Must be “Proven”)
$ ESR&T Strategic Focus: IMPACT (of the Technology Expected to be Seen in Missions/Systems)
Sub-system Level
System-ofSystems Level (Architecture) “Definition of Goals” Level
Scale of Impact (What Influence Will the Technology Have, if “Proven”)
Advanced Space Technologies Program Element Programs Advanced Studies, Concepts, & Tools Revolutionary 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 Concepts Development 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 Imaging Development of advanced space communications and networking technology; highperformance 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 Systems Development 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, & Modeling Development 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
Advanced Concepts
Systems Design & Engineering Analysis Tools
Technology Systems Analysis
Technology Databases
Exploration Systems Research & Technology New 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.
Strategic Technical Challenges
Grand Challenges
National Goals & Policies
ESR&T Strategic Technical Challenges
Sustainable & Affordable Vision for Space Exploration
Affordable Systems & Operations (Development, Ownership, Missions)
Reliable Systems & Operations
Safe Human Operations ‘As Safe as Reasonably Achievable’
Effective Missions & Systems
Flexible & Extensible Robust in terms of Policy, Adaptive to Events
Margins and Redundancy
Modularity
Autonomy
Reusability
Data-Rich Virtual Presence
Re-configurability
ASARA Human Presence in Deep Space
Robotic Networks
Space Resources Utilization
Affordable Logistics Pre-Positioning
Cost-Effective Achievement of Science Objectives
Precise/ Repeatable Surface Target Access
Affordable Launch of Cargo to LEO
Safe and Affordable Crew Space Access
Energy-Rich Systems and Missions
In-Space Assembly
(H/W, S/W, Systems)
Strategic Technical Challenge
Modularity Technologies
System Concepts
Modular Systems
Autonomous Rendezvous & Docking
Modular outpost in lunar orbit
Mechanisms & Interconnects
Strategic Technical Challenge
In-Space Assembly Technologies
System Concepts
Modular Structures
Advanced Manipulators & Telerobotics
Large space systems with capability for growth, maintenance, and reconfigurability Microspacecraft Inspectors
Strategic Technical Challenge
Affordable Logistics Pre-Positioning Technologies
Electric Propulsion
System Concepts
High Specific Power Solar Arrays Solar Electric Cargo Transfer Vehicles
Composite Cryotanks
Zero-Boil-Off Cryogen Storage
In-Space Propellant Depots
Strategic Technical Challenge
Energy Rich Systems & Missions Technologies
Solar & Nuclear Power Generation
System Concepts
Energy Storage
High Energy Space Systems
Chemical & Electric Propulsion
Aero-Assist Systems
Strategic Technical Challenge
Autonomy Technologies
System Concepts
Intelligent Robotics
Multi-Agent Teaming
Autonomous & flexible exploration systems
Health Management Systems
Strategic Technical Challenge
Space Resources Utilization Technologies
System Concepts
Regolith handling
Propellant & oxygen production
Sustainable lunar base
Common fuel rocket engines
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
Upcoming 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