NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts Fellows Meeting

16 March 2005
Dr. Chris Moore
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
NASA Headquarters
Exploration Systems
Research & Technology
Nations 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 Nations 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: J upiter Icy Moon Orbiter (J IMO)/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
Research &
Technology
Development
for Exploration Systems
Development
Programs Division
CEV
Space Trans
Systems
Supporting
Surface Systems
Supporting
In-space Systems
Hubble
Service
Mission
Constellation
Systems
Exploration Systems
Research & Tech
Human System
Research & Tech
Transition
Programs
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
Maturation
Capability-
Focused
Technology
and 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 9 TRL 9
TRL 8 TRL 8
TRL 7 TRL 7
TRL 6 TRL 6
TRL 5 TRL 5
TRL 4 TRL 4
TRL 3 TRL 3
TRL 2 TRL 2
TRL 1 TRL 1
Advanced
Space
Technology
Research
Technology
& Knowledge
Push
System
Development
Projects &
Programs
(e.g., CEV, Lunar
Orbiter)
e.g., ESMD, SMD
Specific Flight System
-C/D Projects
ESR&T Organization
Headquarters 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 & Technology
Investment 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 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; 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 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
Technology Systems Analysis
Advanced Concepts
Technology Databases Systems Design &
Engineering Analysis Tools
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.
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
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-Rich
Systems and Missions
Data-Rich Virtual
Presence
Space Resources
Utilization
Affordable Launch of
Cargo to LEO
Safe and Affordable
Crew Space Access
Flexible &
Extensible
Robust in terms
of Policy,
Adaptive to
Events
Cost-Effective
Achievement of
Science Objectives
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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 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 Challenge
Energy Rich Systems & Missions
Technologies System Concepts
Energy
Storage
Solar & Nuclear Power
Generation
High Energy Space Systems
Aero-Assist
Systems
Chemical & Electric
Propulsion
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/J une, 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