NASA/SP—6107–ADD Reference Mission Version 3.0 Addendum to the Human Exploration of Mars: The Reference Mission of the NASA Mars Exploration Study Team Bret G. Drake, editor Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center June 1998 The NASA STI Program Office ... in Profile Since its founding, NASA has been dedicated to • CONFERENCE PUBLICATION. the advancement of aeronautics and space Collected papers from scientific and science. The NASA Scientific and Technical technical conferences, symposia, Information (STI) Program Office plays a key seminars, or other meetings sponsored or part in helping NASA maintain this important co-sponsored by NASA. role. • SPECIAL PUBLICATION. Scientific, The NASA STI Program Office is operated by technical, or historical information from Langley Research Center, the lead center for NASA programs, projects, and missions, NASA’s scientific and technical information. 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Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 77058 June 1998 Available from: NASA Center for AeroSpace Information National Technical Information Service 7121 Standard Drive 5285 Port Royal Road Hanover, MD 21076-1320 Springfield, VA 22161 301-621-0390 703-605-6000 Optional: This report is also available in electronic form at http://techreports.larc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/NTRS Contents A1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1 A2.0 Strategic Modifications ...................................................................................................................... 1 A2.1 Reference Mission 1.0 Launch Strategy.......................................................................................... 2 A2.1.1 System Repackaging................................................................................................................. 5 A2.1.2 System Mass Reductions .......................................................................................................... 6 A2.1.3 Modified Launch Strategy ........................................................................................................ 7 A2.2 Elimination of Initial Habitat Flight................................................................................................ 7 A2.2.1 Volume Augmentation.............................................................................................................. 8 A2.2.2 Redundancy Considerations ..................................................................................................... 8 A2.3 Revised Mission Strategy for Version 3.0 ...................................................................................... 9 A3.0 System Design Improvements.......................................................................................................... 10 A3.1 Incorporation of TransHab Improvements.................................................................................... 10 A3.2 System Improvements................................................................................................................... 12 A3.2.1 In-Situ Resource Utilization....................................................................................................... 12 A3.2.2 Power Systems........................................................................................................................ 12 A3.2.3 Science Systems...................................................................................................................... 14 A3.2.4 EVA Systems.......................................................................................................................... 15 A3.3 Transportation System Improvements .......................................................................................... 16 A3.3.1 Earth-to-Orbit Transportation................................................................................................. 16 A3.3.2 Trans-Mars Injection............................................................................................................... 19 A3.3.3 Aeroassist................................................................................................................................ 21 A3.3.4 Descent and Landing .............................................................................................................. 23 A3.3.5 Ascent ..................................................................................................................................... 26 A3.3.6 Trans-Earth Injection .............................................................................................................. 26 A3.3.7 Launch Packaging................................................................................................................... 26 A4.0 Summary of Reference Mission Version 3.0.................................................................................... 28 A5.0 Revolutionary Next Steps................................................................................................................. 33 A5.1 Solar Electric Propulsion .............................................................................................................. 33 A5.1.1 Electric Propulsion Mission Concept ..................................................................................... 34 A5.1.2 Electric Vehicle Concepts....................................................................................................... 35 A5.2 Aerocapturing the TransHab......................................................................................................... 36 A5.3 Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) Propulsion .................................................................. 39 5.3.1 Bimodal NTR Mission Concept ............................................................................................... 39 5.3.2 All Propulsive” Bimodal NTR Option Using TransHab........................................................... 41 5.3.3 “LOX-Augmented” NTR Option .............................................................................................. 42 5.3.4 Three-Magnum Scenario ........................................................................................................... 43 5.3.4.1 Mission Content...................................................................................................................... 44 5.3.4.2 Strategies and Technology Challenges................................................................................... 44 5.3.4.3 Combination Lander Scenario ................................................................................................ 45 5.3.4.4 Split Mission Scenario............................................................................................................ 45 5.3.5 All Solar Scenario...................................................................................................................... 48 A6.0 Continuing Work.............................................................................................................................. 50 iii List of Figures Figure A2-1 Cargo and Piloted Vehicles for Reference Mission Version 1.0......................... 3 Figure A2-2 Reference Mission