NIAC FY16: Mars Molniya Orbit Atmospheric Resource Mining Final Phase I Report: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Mars Molniya Orbit Atmospheric Resource Mining FY 16 NIAC Phase I Project Robert P. Mueller, Principal Investigator NASA Swamp Works Laboratory Mail Code: UB-R1 Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899 E-mail:
[email protected] Brandon Sforzo, PhD, Co-Investigator Space Systems Design Laboratory Georgia Institute of Technology 270 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331 E-mail:
[email protected] Robert D. Braun, PhD, Co-Investigator Space Systems Design Laboratory Georgia Institute of Technology 270 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331 E-mail:
[email protected] Laurent Sibille, PhD, PMP, Co-Investigator Swamp Works Laboratory Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 E-mail:
[email protected] FEBRUARY 2017 Public Release Is Authorized 1 NIAC FY16: Mars Molniya Orbit Atmospheric Resource Mining EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I study examined the revolutionary concept of performing resource collection and utilization during Mars orbital operations in order to enable the landing of large payloads. An exploration architecture was developed, out of which several mission alternatives were developed. Concepts of operations were then developed for each mission alternative, followed by concepts for spacecraft systems, which were traded to assess their feasibility. NIAC Mars Atmospheric Gas Resources Collector Vehicle (RCV) stack during an aerobraking CO2 collection pass in the upper atmosphere. The vehicle produces O2 to fuel a Mars Descent and Ascent Vehicle (MDAV), for descent to the surface and subsequent launch to high Mars orbit. A novel architecture using Mars Molniya Orbit Atmospheric Resource Mining is feasible to enable an Earth-independent and pioneering, permanent human presence on Mars by providing a reusable, single-stage-to-orbit transportation system.