National Aeronautics and Space Administration

A New Space Enterprise

Presentation to the Planetary Protection Subcommittee of the NAC

Dr. Laurie Leshin Deputy Associate AdministratorNASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

August 5, 2010

The New Path for Human Space Exploration

• The FY 2011 budget request challenges NASA to embark on a new human space exploration program that is sustainable and affordable

• The budget balances investments in future human spaceflight systems with obtaining key knowledge about future destinations and demonstrating critical enabling technologies for human spaceflight and exploration, including:

– Research & development of heavy-lift and propulsion engines and other key technologies

– Technology development and demonstrations to reduce cost and prove required capabilities for future human exploration

– Exploration precursor robotic missions to multiple destinations to cost- effectively scout human exploration targets and identify hazards and resources for future human exploration

– Increased investment in Human Research to prepare for long journeys beyond Earth

– Expanded efforts to develop U.S. commercial human spaceflight capabilities, making space travel more accessible and affordable

• The FY2011 budget will continue the development of the human crew capsule, an Orion-derived vehicle that will serve as an emergency return vehicle from ISS, and will be part of the technological foundation for advanced spacecraft to be used in future deep space missions

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Phased Development Strategy

Phase I Build the

Foundation

Phase II Systems

Development

Phase III Sustainable

Exploration of the Solar System

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Design and Development of Heavy-Lift and In-space capabilities

Human Exploration Missions to Solar

System Destinations

Commercial Sector, Robotic Precursors, and Game-Changing Technology Development

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What is the Strategy and Destination?

• The future human spaceflight program will build through a steady sequence of achievements, from a set of crewed flights to test and prove systems required for exploration beyond Low-Earth orbit (LEO) early in the next decade, to a near-Earth object (NEO) mission in 2025, to missions to Mars’ environs by mid-2030s, followed by landing on Mars

• This approach builds experience and capability through time, results in successive “firsts” (much like the Mercury and Gemini approach) and allows the human spaceflight systems to be developed serially rather than concurrently, making the endeavor affordable to the taxpayer

• Although we cannot provide a date with certainty for the first human landing on Mars, we can identify essential capabilities needed for such a mission. These are reflected in the programs within this budget request. – They are capabilities that have been recommended consistently for over two decades in

national level reports of committees addressing future human space exploration– They are the near-term steps NASA must take to create the new knowledge and

capabilities required for humans to venture beyond LEO to stay

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New Program Planning Underway

• NASA has established initial plans for the programs announced in the FY2011 Budget Request– A “point of departure” has been established which will continue to be

refined• Allows NASA to make informed decisions and establish program

objectives and expectations– Provides a starting point for engagement with outside organizations

(international, industry, academia, and other government agencies)– Determine capabilities needed and identify technology development

and demonstration cost, schedule and associated risks– Enables high level integration across programs to develop full

framework of future human exploration– Specific launch dates and missions are likely to change to reflect the

addition of Emergency Rescue Vehicle, updated priorities, and new information from NASA’s space partners

• These investments are being integrated into a long-term plan and decision framework by the Human Exploration Framework Team (HEFT)

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For NASA Internal Use Only 6For NASA Internal Use Only 6

ESMD Planned Programs and Projects12 Jul 2010

Supports Initiation of Systems in 2015 Supports Initiation of Systems in 2015 Timeframe For Human Exploration Beyond Timeframe For Human Exploration Beyond

Low Earth OrbitLow Earth OrbitRED OUTLINE DESIGNATESRED OUTLINE DESIGNATESUSE OF ISSUSE OF ISS

Flig

ht

Dem

onst

ratio

nsLE

OAc

cess

Rese

arch

& T

echn

olog

y D

evel

opm

ent

6NASA PREDECISIONAL

Biomed Tech Demo

Mars Medical Suite Demo

Radiation Risk Model

Radiation Risk Model

Performance Health

Tech Demo

Performance Health Suite Demo

Biomed Tech Demo

Human Exploration Telerobotics

Autonomous Precision

Landing

Lunar Volatiles

Solar Electric Propulsion Inflatable /

AR&DAero-

capture & EDL

AdvancedECLSSOn ISS

Cryostat

Lunar Lander

MarsNEO

LOX/RP Operational

Engine

Space X

3 Demos and 12 Operational Flights

1 Demo and 8 Operational Flights

Missions

Orbital

Demo Flights

In-Space CH4

Thruster Demo

LOX/LH2 Precursor

Engine Testing

High Power Electric Propulsion System

Continuing ISS Resupply Missions

Not Funded in This BaselineNot Funded in This Baseline

Human Research

Enabling Technology Development

Heavy Lift/Propulsion Technology

Flagship Technology Demonstrations

Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions

Commercial Cargo

Commercial Crew

EmergencyRescue Vehicle

Exploration ScoutMissions

NEO

Fission Power Systems

TechnologyHuman

Exploration Telerobotics

xScout 2 xScout 3 xScout 4 xScout 5

NEO

by Fiscal Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions (xPRM)Top Level Objectives and Principles

• To conduct precursor measurements/experiments* in support of human exploration:

– Quantify the engineering boundary conditions associated with the environments of human exploration beyond LEO.

– Indentify hazards (to ensure safety)– Identify resources (to facilitate sustainability, lower launch mass, and “living off the land”)– Provide knowledge to inform the selection of Human Exploration destinations

• To provide a platform for technology flight demonstrations which support human exploration.

• To coordinate with other NASA directorates.– Avoid overlap, identify complementary objectives, leverage dual-use opportunities

• To foster competition in mission/payload/investigation selections.

• To foster opportunities for international collaboration which benefit human exploration.

• To foster participatory exploration opportunities

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*An HSF priority precursor measurement/experiment is a necessary component of any xPRM mission.

xPRM: Point of Departure Missions

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Launch Mission Overview

2014 Near-Earth Object(s) (NEO)

• Discovery-class, with scope similar to NEAR-Shoemaker (rendezvous and close proximity conops with end-game “touchdown”) but geared toward HSF objectives

• Alternative: Investigating feasibility of investigating several NEO targets with this mission

2015 Lunar Lander • Target (via LRO information):  Sunlit polar region (<100h night) with Earth visibility and confirmed Hydrogen enhancement signature

• Objectives: Resources (including volatiles), hazards (including dust, trafficability and radiation), con-ops (teleops, hi-bandwidth comm and surface mobility)

2018 Mars Early planning involved combination of technology demos (entry, ISRU) and HSF-precursor measurements

2018 NEO Potential recon to 2025 HSF NEO target

xScout Program

• Principal Investigator (PI)-led or small, common approach to reduce costs

• Higher risk, more focused investigations

• 18-24 mo cadence

• Co-manifest with xPRP missions where practical

• First launch 2014

– Stretch: Goal of 2013 launch readiness (requires dedicated launch)

• Budgeting $100-$200 M per mission

– Includes approx. $50M for access to space (e.g.: Dual-Payload Attachment Fitting, co-manifest or small Expendable Launch Vehicle)

• Mission content:

– Focused scope in support of HSF objectives:

• Could be threshold measurements or existence-proof experiments

– xScout AOs written to complement xPRP portfolio with the goal of accomplishing common xPRM objectives

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NASA’s Integrated Technology Programs

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Academia,Industry andGovernment

Academia,Industry andGovernment

ESMDFlagship

Technology Demonstrations

ESMDFlagship

Technology Demonstrations

Advanced Technologiesand System Concepts

PortfolioOf

Operational Capabilities

forExploration

• A portfolio of technology investments which will enable new approaches to NASA’s current mission set and allow the Agency to pursue entirely new missions of exploration and discovery.

Increasing Technology ReadinessIncreasing Technology Readiness

Early-Stage Innovation

Transformational R&DTestbeds and SmallScale Demonstrations

Large Scale Capability Demonstrations

Space Technology Program Technology PushSpace Technology Program Technology Push

ESMD Mission PullESMD Mission Pull

Developing technologies with broad applicability…

…to support mission-specific technology needs

Game-Changing Technologies

Crosscutting Capability Demos

Office of the Chief Technologist Space Technology Program

ESMD Enabling Technology Programs

Foundational Areas Small Scale Demos

DisruptiveApproaches

RequirementsFlowdown

Visions of The Future

Enabling Technology Development & DemonstrationObjectives

• Develop, mature, and test enabling technology for human exploration

- Develop and demonstrate prototype systems to feed the Flagship, robotic precursor, and other missions of opportunity.

- Develop long-range, critical technologies to provide the foundation for a broad set of future exploration capabilities.

- Provide infusion path for promising, game-changing technologies developed by Space Technology Program.

- Assess the feasibility of system and operational concepts resulting from architectural studies by building and testing proof-of-concept systems.

- Develop exploration technologies that may also have terrestrial applications for clean energy and protecting the environment.

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ETDD Program Structure

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Fo

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ech

no

log

y D

om

ain

s

Demo 1(Flight)Lunar

Volatiles

Dem

o P

roje

cts

Demo 2(Ground)

High-Power Electric Prop

Demo 3(Ground)

Autonomous Precision Landing

Demo 4(ISS)

Human ExplorationTelerobotics

FutureDemos

Advanced In-Space Propulsion

Autonomous Systems & Avionics

Cryogenic Propellant Storage & Transfer

Entry, Descent, & Landing Technology

EVA Technology

High-Efficiency Space Power Systems

Human-Robotic Systems

In-Situ Resource Utilization

Life Support & Habitation Systems

Lightweight Spacecraft Materials & Structures

• • •

Demo 5(Ground)

Fission Power Systems

Flagship Technology Demonstrations (FTD)

NASA’s Flagship Technology Demonstrations (FTD) would capitalize on the technology maturation and ground test bed activities from both within and external to NASA. FTD demonstrates “transformational capabilities” at the proper scale and performance regime necessary to affordably conduct future human exploration missions to select destinations in the inner solar system.

Beginning in 2014, the first set of FTD missions would focus on:

Advanced in-space propulsion

In-Space propellant transfer and storage

Inflatable ISS mission module, with

Aero-Assist Entry-Descent-Landing (AEDL)

Automated Rendezvous & Docking AR&DClosed-loop Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS)

FTD-1 Launch: 2014

FTD-4 Launch: 2016

FTD-3 Launch: 2015

FTD-1, -2, -3

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FTD-2Launch: 2015

Human Research Program

• Objectives– Reduce the highest risks to crew health and performance for space exploration missions– Conduct space biomedical research and technology development to provide risk mitigation– Enable development of human spaceflight medical standards for risks that are poorly

understood– Develop and validate countermeasures or technologies that reduce spaceflight medical

risks – Support the transition of mitigation or treatment strategies to spaceflight medical practice

• Strategy– Address human health and performance risks endorsed by the National Research Council

and Institute of Medicine– Evidence/Risk-based Program Architecture: Evidence → Risks → Gaps → Tasks →

Deliverables– Leverage and collaborate with government agencies, International Partners and the

National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) – Use a competitive solicitation process and peer review to acquire high-quality research

activities 14

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Human

ResearchBiomedTechDemo

BiomedTech Demo

Radiation Risk Model

Radiation Risk Model

Performance Heath Tech Demo

Performance Heath Suite Demo

Mars MedicalSuite Demo

Human Research Program Elements

• Space Radiation– Human health effects, limiting factors for vehicle environments;

computational shielding modeling; measurement and warning techs • Exploration Medical Capability

– Medical care and crew health maintenance technologies (monitoring, diagnostic, treatment tools and techniques); medical data management; probabilistic risk assessment

• Human Health Countermeasures– Integrated physiological, pharmacological and nutritional countermeasures

suite; Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) related physiology research• Behavioral Health & Performance

– Behavioral health selection, assessment, and training capabilities; intervention and communication techniques to support exploration missions

• Space Human Factors & Habitability– Anthropometry, display/control, usability, cognition, habitability, lighting,

ergonomics; advanced food development; toxicological testing• ISS Medical Project

– ISS integration & ops, including Human Research Facility Racks 1 & 2• Program Science Management/NSBRI

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HRP FY 2011 Overview

• FY 2011 President’s Budget proposes a 42% increase above FY 2010 to $215M for FY 2011

• Augmentation Research and Technology Priorities

– Biomedical Technologies with advanced medical care capabilities and bioinformatics and capable of being integrated into the ISS as a demonstration of remote medical suite appropriate for long-duration space missions

– Innovative Biomedical Technologies to enable novel solutions to the problems of human spaceflight with potential Earth applications

– Space Radiation Research to reduce the uncertainty of radiation risks to space explorers in the areas of carcinogenesis, central nervous system disease, degenerative tissue effects, and acute radiation syndromes (coordinate with Space Radiation Protection Project under ETDD)

– Behavioral Health Research that enhances the portfolio related to behavioral factors and physiological implications of long-duration missions

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Thoughts on Planetary Protection Issues

– ESMD understands the importance of incorporating Planetary Protection requirements into new Programs early – such conversations have already begun

• Objectives for NEO missions being considered at Workshop next week

– New Programs provide near term opportunities to continue research related to Planetary Protection, including considering new modes of remote operation

– Increased focus on NEOs/asteroids as targets necessitate new Planetary Protection considerations

• Will need to work specific requirements as individual targets are considered and precursor missions planned

• Human Mars surface exploration will continue to figure in future planning but is not subject of intense near-term discussions wrt Planetary Protection

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ESMD: Blazing a Trail Into the Solar System

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• NASA’s human spaceflight program seeks to extend human presence throughout the solar system

• The President's FY2011 Budget Request takes a new approach to this goal, focusing on capabilities that will allow us to reach multiple destinations, including the Moon, Asteroids, and Mars and its moons

• The investments seek to create the new knowledge and capabilities required for humans to venture beyond low Earth orbit to stay

• Approach expands alternatives available for human exploration, currently limited by lack of strategic investment in technology development over past decades

www.nasa.gov/exploration