Aurora Exploration Programme 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002' ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 1
The Robotic Exploration Missions of the Aurora Programme
7th ASTRA Workshop, ESTEC 19-21 November 2002
ASTRA, 19-21 B.Gardini, F.Ongaro, D.Vennemann – ESA/ESTEC 1 November 2002 List of Contents 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• Introduction • Objectives of the Aurora Programme ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 • Aurora Programme outline • Aurora Preparatory Period • Exploration Scenario • European Human/Robotic Exploration Scenario • Near term Planning • Near Term Missions Scenario 2 • Aurora candidate missions – Exobiology Mission (ExoMars) – Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) – In Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) Mission – Lunar Mission – Advanced MSR – Arrow Missions • Aurora Mission Scenario • Conclusions.
ASTRA, 19-21 2 November 2002 Introduction 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• In the coming decades the scientific and human exploration of the solar ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 system is expected to progress further beyond the low Earth orbits. An international human mission to Mars may become a reality by the years 2020 – 2030.
3 • To decide in which areas of expertise Europe wants to have a lead in the future requires a detailed analysis of the European Technology strengths and an assessment of its strategic value.
• The Aurora Programme, approved at the Ministerial Conference in Edinburgh in November 2001, is the response of Europe to these challenging tasks.
ASTRA, 19-21 3 November 2002 Objectives of the Aurora Programme (1) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• Continue the European effort after Mars Express and Beagle 2 towards ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 a more systematic planetary exploration programme, focused on Mars, Moon and Asteroids,
• Formulate and then implement a European Long Term Plan for the 4 robotic and human exploration of the Solar System bodies holding promises for traces of life. Promote the development of a coherent and unified European approach for Exploration,
• Foster the development of European technology and build up the basic know-how upon which future international cooperation can be decided on a more equitable basis.
ASTRA, 19-21 4 November 2002 Objectives of the Aurora Programme (2) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• Provide for missions and technologies which are complementary to ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 the existing ESA and national programmes in Europe and Canada and federate the efforts in the field of exploration,
• Establish a programme of cooperation with Technical Universities 5 and promote active student involvement in Workshops and advance research,
• The Aurora Programme can be seen as a road map for human exploration, technology development and a genuine programme for innovation.
ASTRA, 19-21 5 November 2002 Aurora Programme outline (1) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• Aurora is an Optional Programme of the Envelope type. In the ESA ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 approach this allows for a consistent set of spacecraft missions and technology developments to be planned over a long period of time.
• Funding is released to cover 5 years periods of the programme at the 6 time, which allows for continuity of activities, re-planning when necessary, and overall optimal usage of resources.
• The programme has two components: a Definition one, to support planning, feasibility studies, scientific and outreach activities; and a Development one, for the implementation of missions and technology development.
ASTRA, 19-21 6 November 2002 Aurora Programme outline (2) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
g Preparatory Period ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 Dev. Development Component À la carte missions Comp.
Def. Definition Component Definition Component Comp. 7
Commitment
Programme Review Programme Review
Approval 2nd Period Approval 3rd Period
2002 2005 2010 The Aurora Programme was subscribed in Nov. 2001 at Edinburgh by: A,B,CAN,CH,F,I,NL,P,E and UK for a total of 14.1 MEU.
ASTRA, 19-21 7 November 2002 Aurora Preparatory Period 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• During the first 3-years period, work concentrates on the elaboration of a Long Term Plan for exploration activities and on mission and ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 technology studies.
• Two classes of missions are foreseen: – Flagship Missions, defined as major missions driving to in-situ
8 analysis soft landing or sample return from other planetary bodies and eventually a human precursor mission, – Arrow Missions, defined as smaller missions, with a short development time, technology driven, mostly in support of the Flagships.
• By mid 2004 a new Programme Proposal will be presented to the ESA Council to finance the activities of the next 5 years of the Programme.
ASTRA, 19-21 8 November 2002 Exploration Scenario 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• The Aurora exploration scenario, defined with a view focused on the long term goal of Human Exploration, identifies the main steps of ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 exploration and tentative dates: – Human mission to Mars (2025-2030) – Robotic outpost, possibly human mission to the Moon (2020 - 2025) 9 – Decision to go ahead with a human mission (2015) – Mars Sample Return (MSR) and Advanced MSR (2011-2017)
• The Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) is the first robotic mission to include all the basic functions required by a human flight. The successful completion of one or two MSR missions of increased complexity is a prerequisite for the decision to go ahead.
ASTRA, 19-21 9 November 2002 European Human/Robotic Exploration Scenario 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
2030 2028 2026 2024 2022 2020 2018 2016 2013 2011 2009 2007 ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002
HumanHuman Lan-Lan- HumanHuman Orbi-Orbi- Infrastructure Infrastructure GreenhouseGreenhouse // PowerPower dingding MissionMission tingting MissionMission Finalisation / ISRU ComplexComplex MarsMars Finalisation / ECLSSECLSS HMMHMM ISRU Plant MarsMars DecisionDecision Point Point Plant MarsMars ISRUISRU Exobio-Exobio- TEM3 TEM2 forfor HMM HMM 2028 2028 SystemSystem SampleSample TEM3 TEM2 SampleSample DemoDemo logylogy HabitatHabitat // ValidationValidation UtilityUtility NavComNavCom ReturnReturn Mars ReturnReturn MissionMission MEM2MEM2 MEM1MEM1 TEM1TEM1 LaboratoryLaboratory TruckTruck NetworkNetwork
Permanent
10 Human Outpost – Studies / Experiments on next Step: Asteroids? ISS, Concordia, etc.
WayWay HumanHuman HLMHLM LunarLunar HumanHuman StationStation OutpostOutpost // SystemSystem Green-Green- PowerPower LanderLander // LandingLanding ISRUISRU forfor MarsMars TestTest Vali-Vali- househouse PlantPlant ISRUISRU
n MissionMission Moo Mission(s)Mission(s) FacilityFacility dationdation DemoDemo
Mars Mars Mars Mars Earth Micro- Aero- Earth Micro- Aero- Re-entry Mission capture Re-entry Mission capture Demo
Tech Demo
Demos (SEP)(SEP) DemoDemo
ASTRA, 19-21 10 November 2002 Near Term Planning 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• The decision point in 2015 is only two “5 years Aurora periods” away. ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 Within this time frame the feasibility of a human mission will have to be demonstrated.
• The main elements of this process are a comprehensive technology 11 programme, which has also to take into account human factors and a sequence of robotic missions, each mission progressively increasing the confidence towards a man rated mission to Mars.
• In cooperation with the Aurora Exploration Programme Advisory Committee (EPAC) the Agency has prepared a tentative missions scenario covering the next two periods of the programme.
ASTRA, 19-21 11 November 2002 Near Term Mission Scenario 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• For the near term planning a look ahead view covering the next 10 to 15 ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 years is required to ensure consistency of mission planning and technology development.
• The technology development should be spread over several missions to reduce the overall program risk and ensure an effective use of resources. 12 • The phasing of the missions must minimize the overlap between two consecutive missions, as far as allowed by the 26 months cycle of the Mars launch opportunities. This allows time for re-planning when needed and minimize the overall risk to the program.
• The overall mission scenario should favour the development of European technologies, at least as far as allowed by the limits of conventional power sources (unless a decision to proceed with the development of nuclear power sources is taken soon).
ASTRA, 19-21 12 November 2002 Aurora candidate missions 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
A number of potential Aurora Robotic Missions have been considered, derived from the Call for Ideas (April 2001 ) and past studies. Following the recent discussions in ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 the EPAC and internal assessments the following candidates have been retained:
•Flagship Missions: – Exobiology Mission (ExoMars) – Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) 13 – ISRU Mars Mission – Moon Landing Mission – Advanced Mars Sample Return Mission
•Arrow Missions (mostly technology missions in support of the Flagship Missions): – Earth Re-entry vehicle/capsule – Mars Aerocapture Demonstrator – Mars Micromission (Miniaturized Electronics, Solar Electric Propulsion) – Cooperation with national or international missions (to be explored)
ASTRA, 19-21 13 November 2002 Exobiology Mission (1) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
In the logic of exploration and the search for life an Exobiology mission (ExoMars) is the ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 necessary precursor to a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. ExoMars will characterize the Mars biological environment before landing other spacecrafts or Humans. The main characteristics of the mission envisaged at the present stage are:
• A Mars Orbiter to deliver a Descent Module from a Martian orbit. Thereafter it will 14 operate as a data relay satellite, initially for the ExoMars Rover and later possibly for future missions.
• The Descent Module will deliver a Rover to a specified location using an Inflatable Braking Device (IBD) or a Parachute system. These landing systems have been chosen because of they are inherently robust. The achievable landing accuracy is modest, but sufficient for the mission. The latitude of the landing site is expected to be less than 45 deg N/S.
ASTRA, 19-21 14 November 2002 Exobiology Mission (2) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• The Rover will ensure a regional mobility (few km) as required by the Exobiology ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 Payload. The Payload (Pasteur) of about 40 kg includes a drilling system and a Sampling and Handling Device integrated with the package of scientific instruments
• The proposed mission design would add to the Exploration Program the element of surface mobility, albeit within the limits of a Rover powered by conventional Solar 15 Arrays.
• The Rover navigation system, including optical sensors, on board software and autonomous operation capability is a significant technological challenge where Europe can bring to fruition years of technology development at ESA and national level.
• Enabling technologies: surface mobility (Rover), Landing system, Exobiology Instrumentation and the Drilling and Sample Handling system.
ASTRA, 19-21 15 November 2002 Mars Sample Return (1) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
Within the Aurora program an early (2011) Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) has ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 been considered. This is a very challenging mission due to the complexity of the mission itself and the short development time. The main characteristics of the mission envisaged\ at present are:
• A composite vehicle to carry into a Mars orbit both a Descent Module and an Earth
16 Re-entry vehicle.Whether this can be achieved with a single AR5 (enhanced) launch need to be assessed, alternatively a different configuration will be considered, compatible with a double launch.
• The Descent Module will carry to the surface of Mars a landing platform equipped with a sample collecting device and a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). The landing system proposed is based on an Inflatable Braking Device (IBD). A limited landing accuracy is expected to be sufficient for a mission bringing back the first sample ever of Martian soil.
ASTRA, 19-21 16 November 2002 Mars Sample Return (2) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• The MAV vehicle will bring a small canister containing the sample into a low altitude ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 circular Mars orbit (e.g. 150 Km) for a Rendez–Vouz with the Earth Re-entry vehicle. This will deliver the Re-entry capsule containing the sample on a ballistic trajectory into the Earth atmosphere. A parachute (or inflatable device) landing system will ensure a safe landing.
• Enabling technologies: a Mars Sample Return mission requires a number of enabling 17 technologies, which are not yet (or not fully) available in Europe. This concerns mainly the landing system on Mars, the Mars Ascent Vehicle, the RVD system in Mars orbit and the Earth Re-entry vehicle/ capsule.
• All the above technologies can be tested in principle in an Earth environment. The final qualification of the RVD system, however, is preferably done in a Mars orbit. For the other technologies ground based activities need to be combined with a suitable sequence of technology driven Arrow Missions.
ASTRA, 19-21 17 November 2002 Mars Sample Return (3) 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
While the mission development, operation and success are a milestone in the technology roadmap toward a human mission, some scientific requirements will influence its ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 development:
• Landing site selection: The selection of a suitable/preferred landing site may remain open for a long time. This has to be taken into account in the spacecraft design to ensure robustness of the mission. 18 • Sample size: A sample in the order of 500 grams is considered, in line with the recommendations of the International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG).
• Sample collection: Collecting samples of Martian soil may require a miniaturized drill.
• Sample conditioning: environmental parameters of the sample during re-entry and planetary protection issues will also influence mission design.
ASTRA, 19-21 18 November 2002 ISRU Mission 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
In the flow of technology development for Exploration the ISRU mission will: ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002
• Provide the first opportunity to test In Situ Resource Utilization facilities, e.g. fuel production which would greatly increase the efficiency of a Sample Return or a Human mission.
• Qualify some of the missing steps in technology: specifically the Soft Landing 19 technique with the two main aspects of propulsion control and obstacle avoidance during landing. The mission is expected to utilize Aerocapture, provided a validation of the technique has been achieved by an earlier Arrow Mission (Mars Aerocapture Demonstrator).
• The ISRU mission will consolidate further the way towards Mars missions which are a closer representation of human missions. A more detailed definition of the mission, however, can only be given when the results of previous missions and further information on the local environment will be available, e.g. whether water is easily available or not.
ASTRA, 19-21 19 November 2002 Lunar Mission 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002' ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002
• The Lunar Flagship Mission will demonstrate precision landing technologies for heavy payloads at lower cost and risk to the programme than a Mars demonstration mission.
20 • The mission offers possibilities for ISRU tests on the Moon and an opportunity for science follow - on to the SMART1 mission.
• Its flexible launch window constraints allow it to fit anywhere along the early phase of the Programme, as long as flown before 2015.
ASTRA, 19-21 20 November 2002 Advanced MSR 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
For an advanced MSR mission combinations of additional technologies/functions are considered with a view to the needs and constraints of a future human mission: ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002
• Aerocapture / Aerobraking : will increase the efficiency of the mission, but it is rather critical, implies a higher risk and has a significant impact on the spacecraft design. The mission should provide final conclusions on the trade off risks/benefits of this technology for future Mars missions.
21 • Solar Electric Propulsion : an advanced SEP will equally increase the efficiency of the mission, but the mission duration may be excessively long. The technology, however, is of particular interest for long term applications, e.g. for a large cargo ship to Mars.
• Soft (i.e. controlled) and precision landing : this is a mandatory step in the progress of exploration and will have to be mastered in due time. To qualify this (and other) technology a Lunar mission may be of distinctive advantage and cost effective.
• In Situ Propellant Production: a powerful mission enabler for robotic and human exploration missions which has to be validated with great care.
ASTRA, 19-21 21 November 2002 Arrow Missions 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• Earth re-entry vehicle/capsule: the envisaged mission will use a small spacecraft in a ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 highly elliptic orbit. The vehicle will be propelled towards the Earth under conditions similar to an interplanetary return capsule. The mission is a necessary step for the first Mars Sample Return Mission.
• Mars Aerocapture demonstrator: small mission to Mars with the goal to validate the 22 technology before it is applied to a Flagship mission, specifically for the ISRU and the Advanced MSR Missions.
• Mars Micromission: based on highly integrated / miniaturized on board electronics possibly combined with a demonstration of an advanced electric propulsion system.
• Cooperation opportunities: in line with the mandate of the Aurora program to foster cooperation with on-going national or international programs the possibility of participation in specific exploration projects is envisaged.
ASTRA, 19-21 22 November 2002 Aurora Mission Scenario 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002
PREMIER Mission (Rendez-Vous and Docking) Mars Phase B/C/D Exobiology (Exobiology,Rover,Navigation,Inflatable) Phase A(Cont.d) Phase B/C/D Mars (Inflatable,MAV,RVD,Re-entry) Sample Return 23 Phase A Phase B/C/D (Aerocapture ,Soft In-Situ Resource Utilization Landing,Fuel ) Phase A Phase B/C/D (Soft/Precision Lunar Mission Landing, Adv. ISRU)
Advanced Mars Sample Return Mission Phase A Phase B/C/D
Earth Phase B/C/D (Earth Demo for Re-Entry Vehicle/Capsule) Re-entry Phase A Phase B/C/D Mars Aerocapture (Mars Aerocapture Demonstrator ) Mars Micromission Phase A Phase B/C/D (Solar Electric Propulsion, Microelectronics) Cooperation Opportunities ASTRA, 19-21 23 November 2002 Conclusions 7th ESAWorkshoponAdvancedSpaceTechnologiesforRoboticsandAutomation'ASTRA2002'
• A Mission Scenario consistent with the Aurora long term goal of ESTEC, Noordwijk,TheNetherlands,November19-21,2002 exploration has been established as a working baseline.
• A detailed analysis of the mission enabling technologies is in progress and a number of mission specific technology studies is being defined for implementation in the present phase of the Aurora Programme. 24 • The feasibility of the overall scenario needs to be confirmed by further studies (Pre-Phase A and Phase A). At the October 7th meeting the Aurora Board of Participants (ABP) has given the approval for industrial studies, to be placed in early 2003, concerning the first two Flagship and two Arrow missions.
• The final scenario will have to take into account the results of the technical work as well as political decisions concerning funding and possible changes in European and international programmes. ASTRA, 19-21 24 November 2002