Next Steps inHuman Space Exploration

Klaus HeissNov 15 2003

Continuing the Historic Legacy of Exploration,Discovery, & Progress

Marco Polo, Emperor Zhu Di, Christopher Columbus, Lewis & Clark

Wright Brothers, Sir Ernest Shackelton, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Alan Shepard

John Glenn, Shuttle era, Apollo era, leading to future missions beyond Low Earth Orbit…

Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryant

By late 1421, China’s history was set for centuries to come. The legacy of Zue Di, Zenng He and their great treasure fleets would be all but obliterated. What oceans they had sailed , what lands they had seen, what discoveries they had made, what colonies they had created were no longer of interest to Chinese leaders. The ships that made these voyages were left to rot and were never replaced.1

The lessons of history are clear, progress is advanced or stopped by conscious decisions, “muddling” is not an optionDON’T BURN THE SHIPS OF EXPLORATION

60 - 444ft. treasure ships27,000 explorersGlobal presence

Columbus's Nina

Emperor Zue DiMing Dynasty

Lessons of History

11421 The Year China Discovered America

Next Historic Milestones

• Abandon Human Space Flight – the “1423” Option: the “OMB” Option

• Human Expedition to Mars – the Space Task Force Option of 1969

• “Jamestown”: First Permanent Settlement Outside Earth on the Moon

• ‘Business as usual’: the “April” NASA Long Term Plan

Selection Criteria

• Historic Achievement

• Within a Decade

• No Substantial Increase in NASA Budget (Less than a Doubling)

• Maximize Existing (Past) Technology Base

• Manageable Risk

• Set New Regime for Human Activities in Space

• A US Program – others may join

Applying the Criteria to Goals

• The “1423 – Burn the Ships” Option– At least an explicit ‘accounting’ decision– Preferred by the “Academy of Sciences” (see Columbus

in Portugal AND Spain)

• Mars Option: – Showstopper Issues that need Resolution

• Business as Usual Option– The most expensive option in terms of

• Budget wasted on ill-defined programs• Has NASA meandering around without direction• Simulates Space Achievements without significant Advances

Homestead Moon:“Jamestown”

• First Human Settlement in Space

• Will answer question whether ‘man was meant to fly’ beyond Earth

• Closed Ecological Life Support Systems – Unique Technology Base for extending Human

Presence throughout Solar System

– Tremendous technology feedbacks on Earth on ‘ecological’ uses of limited resources

Beyond CELSS:Fundamental Strategic Change

• Human Presence on Moon will enable Unique Applications– On the Moon– In Cis-Lunar Space Operations and Missions– In Trans-Lunar Space Operations and Missions

• The ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ – ‘The Archimedean Point’

Enabling Disclosure Statement

• Unique Lunar Zones of Critical Importance to US Space Enterprise

• Novel Space Transportation Modes

• Lunar, Cis-Lunar and Trans-Lunar Applications

• [separate Enclosure]

Back to the Future

The 1969 Space Task Force Report

And

The 1971/72 STS Recommendations

The Reason Moon First vs. Mars First

Mars

71,882,8004-22 (minutes one way)

180+500-10001-2 days after TMI

Yes

No8-10470.38

384,4003310+AnytimeYes

Yes15-201501/6

Distance (km)Communication timeOne way trip time Mission Length (days)Abort CapabilityTele-operation from EarthEarth ObservationSchedule to First Flight (YRS)Mission mass (MT)Gravity

STF – Lunar Exploration Sequence

Completing the 1970s STS: ‘Stafford’ Architecture 3 & 4

• Space Task Force Report of July 16 1969 and STS 1971/72 Recommendations fully applicable to current situation

• All ‘Commissions’, Congressional, Interagency and ‘Expert’ Work of past 30 Years summarized in ‘Stafford’ Report

• Need to decide on ‘Architecture 3’ opening Option for 4

The 1971/2 TAOS DecisionLiquids or Solids

Shuttle Breakeven vs Flights

Upgrade Shuttle to 1971-2 Recommendation

– Liquids, Crew Rescue Module, Cargo Shuttle-Lifter

– Will reduce risks along Gehman Report, including ‘Intact Abort’

– Will reduce costs and improve easy of operations

– See ‘Picture Book’

Moon

Architecture

Elements

Space-Based Reusable Systems Approach

Low Lunar Orbit

Exploration Transfer Vehicle

• Transports four crew between LEO and Lunar surface and back

• Nominal return is propulsive capture with contingency direct return(?)

OMV• Autonomously captures launched propellant tanks and de livers to propellant depots

• Disposes of empty propellant tanks

Shuttle• Transports four crew

between Earth surface and Low Earth Orbit

SEP Stage• High-efficiency SEP used to deliver propellant from LEO to Lunar Orbit.

• SEP Stage returns to Earth for reuse.

Propellant Tanker• Stores O2/H2 propellant required for lunar outbound, lunar land ing, and Earth return transfers

• Stores xenon required for SEP Stages (?)

Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle

• Shuttle-derived HLLV capable of launching 93t to 56x278 km LEO orbit

BA

Propulsi ve C apture

X TV Refuels in Lunar Orbi t

C rew Transfer t o X TV

Shuttle Crew Launch

X TV Refuels in Lunar Orbi t

Solar Elect ri c Stages & Prop

Tankers Spi ral to LLO

Solar Elect ri c Stages Spi ral to

LE O

Descent A scent

2 Propellant Launches

X TV Fuel s in LE O

C rew Landing

C rew Transfer

LE O Tanker and C rew Transport

Propel lant Tankers

B

A

B

A

A

B

A

B

Exploration Transfer

Vehicle (XTV)

Propellant Tanker

Orbital Maneuvering

Vehicle (OMV)

Architecture Elements for a Lunar Landing

Missionx 1

x 3

x 1

Shuttle-Derived HLLV

x 2

Solar Electric (SEP) Stage

x 2

Shuttle

x 1

Space-Based Reusable Systems Approach

Note: Required Launches for Initial Infrastructure Deployment Omitted for Clarity

Reusable Lunar Approach

Moon

Architecture

Elements

Space-Based Reusable Systems Approach

Low Lunar Orbit

Exploration Transfer Vehicle

• Transports four crew between LEO and Lunar surface and back

• Nominal return is propulsive capture with contingency direct return(?)

OMV• Autonomously captures

launched propellant tanks and delivers to propellant depots

• Disposes of empty propellant tanks

Shuttle• Transports four crew between Earth surface and Low Earth Orb it

SEP Stage• High-efficiency SEP used

to deliver propellant from LEO to Lunar Orbit.

• SEP Stage returns to Earth for reuse.

Propellant Tanker• Stores O2/H2 propellant

required for lunar outbound, lunar landing, and Earth return transfers

• Stores xenon required for SEP Stages (?)

Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle

• Shuttle-derived HLLV capable of launching 93t to 56x278 km LEO orbit

Moon

Architecture

Elements

Space-Based Reusable Systems Approach

Low Lunar Orbit

Exploration Transfer Vehicle

• Transports four crew between LEO and Lunar surface and back

• Nominal return is propulsive capture with contingency direct return(?)

OMV• Autonomously captures launched propellant tanks and delivers to propellant depots

• Disposes of empty propellant tanks

Shuttle• Transports four crew between Earth surface and Low Earth Orbit

SEP Stage• High-efficiency SEP used

to deliver propellant from LEO to Lunar Orbit.

• SEP Stage returns to Earth for reuse.

Propellant Tanker• Stores O2/H2 propellant

required for lunar outbound, lunar landing, and Earth return transfers

• Stores xenon required for SEP Stages (?)

Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle

• Shuttle-derived HLLV capable of launching 93t to 56x278 km LEO orbit

Modular Shuttle Upgrades

Space Tug

• LOX/LH2• LEO to Lunar Landing and Return• Modular

– Shuttle Crew Rescue Module for Manned Version

– Cargo Version capable of delivering ISS Module(s) to Moon

– Restartable LOX/LH2 Engines (many RL-10s)

STF - Lunar Base Tug

Modular Space Tug

STF Lunar Space Tug Capacity

STF Space Tug Orbits

Space Tug Benefits

• “Payload Effects” across Cis-Lunar Missions: – LEO, HEO, GEO, Libration Points

– Enables Subsystem Standardization of Major Space Structures

– Repair, Update, Inspection, Refurbishment

• Moon based Tug Ops: – A radical change in ‘cost & capability per flight’

• If RL-10 based: possibility of Mini-Tugs for Special Ops

LOX/LH2 in Space Refueling

• In-Orbit Storage and Fuel Transfer

• Use of ‘Excess’ LOX/LH2 from Shuttle launches to LEO

• In-Space Production of LOX/LH2 by cracking excess water from– ISS, Space Shuttles before return, later on the

Moon

STF Cis-Lunar Systems Profile

STF Cis-Lunar Ops 1980

“Jamestown”:First Lunar Base

• Use ISS Components– “Deploy ISS on the Moon”– Re-deploy ‘THE’ ISS Components on Moon?!?

• LEO Fuel Transport Hub Lunar Transport Hub

• Incorporate CELSS • Build-Up to Initial population of Twelve

(also STF Recommendation in 1969)

Critical Research Needs-International Space Station Opportunities

Research benefits ISS as well as future programs: Critical need for Bioastronautics research

Micro G/ Radiation Human performance on long missions

Improve performance and crew productivity Increased automation of systems, tele-robotics, etc. Advanced crew interfaces

Reduce resupply Closed loop life support minimizes consumables Micro/miniature sensors, processors and wireless technologies Plasma engine could perform reboost with waste H2 Advanced fabrication and repair technologies

Operational experience and systems exposure space environment Contributes to long term reliability Evolution to simpler designs and better performance Express pallet- Externally mounted equipment experiments in long duration space environment Potential for EVA advances for mass reduction and increased

performance Maintenance experience Micrometeoroid protection experience Experience base for in-space construction

Human and Robotic Exploration Strategies

Revolutionize technologies and capabilities to enable discovery and science return, lead to commercialization of space and provide the maximum return to the nation:

Remote observations and measurements- reach as far into the universe as possible; understand the Earth and its processes

– Further the incredible discoveries of Hubble Space Telescope to understand our universe, its, evolution and processes

– Search for evidence of life on planets outside our solar system– Develop a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its responses

Robotic missions- maximize the return from remote direct measurements of other planetary bodies

– Further automation and virtual presence to increase the return of in-situ measurements

– Measure the environments and test technologies preparing for follow-on missions and objectives

Human exploration- enable cost effective human exploration, – Where human capabilities can enable and increase the rate of return of science

and discovery– Share the excitement of first hand discoveries through virtual experience– Develop an infrastructure that enables commercial access to space and the

planets

Human Advantage: Benefits Our Citizens & NASA Capability

Encourages pride in our nation and its citizens

Provides genuine heroes Inspires the next generation of explorers Source of wonder, hope, adventure,

drama Enables vicarious space travel Biological Spin-off technology, Growth

engine, medicines, heath-care

Adaptability and responsiveness On-site decision making Enables complex operations not otherwise possible Human insight and intuition Recovery of otherwise-lost missions - fix

things when they break

Space flight is intensely human

Human Advantage: On Planetary Surfaces

Results: Humans “on site” enable technology to go and collect unique data

(Greenland ice cores, Lake Vostok access) Demonstrated here on Earth and on Moon with Apollo

Adaptability to real, potentially dynamic, field conditions with real-time adjustment of science activities (dynamic response)

Sampling: getting the ‘right stuff’ to make discoveries (humans intelligently narrow the huge sample collection trade-space most rapidly and effectively)

Gaining new vantage points, nimbly, and rapidly, with highest potential for breakthrough results

Human(in-situ)/Human (extended) interaction offers NEW approaches to challenging field problems

Humans naturally “extend life to there” while adaptively “seeking life in the Universe” in best places

Human/Machine Synergistic, Leveraged Partnerships

Humans and robots have collaborated in every NASA mission Difference between missions is the physical interfaces and proximity of humans

Hubble Space Telescope and Apollo demonstrated significant increase in rate of science return through involvement of humans at local science site

Humans and robots represent different tools for accomplishing different jobs Humans have capabilities not yet attained by robotics Robots more efficient for repetitive tasks and expendable for high risk tasks

Understanding benefits and risks of human and robotic capabilities is complex and evolving

Objective is to optimize integration of humans and machines to maximize overall capabilities for effective scientific discovery

Exploration Strategy Addresses NASA’s Strategic Goals

Goal 4: Explore the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology through research in the unique laboratory of space.

Goal 5: Explore the solar system and the universe beyond, understand the origin and evolution of life, and search for evidence of life elsewhere.

Goal 6: Inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Goal 7: Engage the public in shaping and sharing the experience of exploration and discovery.

Goal 9: Extend the duration and boundaries of human space flight to create new opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Goal 10: Enable revolutionary capabilities through new technologies.

STF Integrated Lunar Build-Up

ROM Costs and Schedules

• Shuttle– CRM (Gehman)

– Liquids (Gehman base)

– Update to 2000 technology/Gehman

– Cargo Version –phased

• ISS-CELLS– ISS Components

– CELSS add-ons

• Space Tug– CRM crewed version– ISS Cargo Version– Many RL-10s (risk-

cost advantage) – other options?

• LOX/LH2 Refueling – LEO, Lunar– Storage, Transfer,

Production

Purpose of Lunar Base

• Develop CELSS for ultimately Earth independent communities

• Answer Show-Stopper Questions for Trans-Lunar Flight by Humans– Heavy Particle Radiation & Countermeasures– Micro-gravity Effects– Long-term Isolation and Distance Effects

• Lunar Resources Engineering and Production Technologies

STF Astronomy Program 1969

Space Resource Station “Moon”

• Delta V: 36 fold advantage

• Stable Platform

• Unlimited Energy Resources – Solar, He-3

• Water

• Most Mineral Resources

• Ideal Cis- and Translunar Operations Base

Enabling Entirely New Missions

The Cis- and Translunar

Applications Visions

Lunar Transportation Hub

• Space Tugs

• Zero Propellant Mass Technologies– RF, Lasers, Particle Beams

– Hybrid Sails and Tether Systems

– Electromagnetic Impulse Launchers/Catchers

• Fuel Production, Storage, Refueling

• Lunar Transports

The First Decade on the Moon2015-2024

• Large Scale Structures on the Moon– Across electromagnetic

spectrum

– Large apertures

• Homesteading US Bases at Archimedean Zones

• RDT&E on Lunar Energy Systems– Solar

– He-3

– For Lunar use

– Cis-Lunar (Re)-Supplies

– ‘Down to Earth’

High Frontier & the High Ground

• Turning Space “Upside-Down”: Moon to Earth

• Opening Cis- and Translunar Space– Sciences

– Military

– National Security

– Commercial Applications

Archimedean Zone Applications

• Sciences

• Defense

• National Security

• Commercial

• Transportation

Concepts Picture Book

Across Electromagnetic Spectrum

Large Structures - Energy

Transportation – CCC&I – Access

Observation of Earth’s Neighborhood from the Lunar Surface

Large distributed aperture optical and RF collectors

(active and passive)

Observation & tracking of earth orbiting and cislunar

objects and activities

Ultra-long range identification and tracking of earth-orbit-crossing objects

Solar and Nuclear Power Availability

Large Stable Earth-Facing

Surface

No Atmospheric Distortion

Laser and high rate RF communications

Long-dwell high-resolution earth-system observation

In-Space Transportation Options

Polar Zone Halo Orbits: Lower Station Keeping with Lunar Assist

Lunar Electromagnetic Propulsion – 100 miles +?

Lunar Systems Augmented Tether Applications

Hybrid Energy Impulse Sail Spacecraft

Zero Propellant Mass Acceleration and Deceleration and Orbit Management Applications

Leo Heo Geo Planetary Transfers without Propellant Mass

Phobos and Deimos End/Launch Point Systems

Large Distributed Spectral Sensors

Large Simple Ground Imager

Large Laser Designator with Remote Sensors

Satellite Defense Applications

Simple Passive Large Interferometer

Ultra Large Interferometer for Extra Solar Planet Exploration

Ultra Resolution Sparse Aperture Sensors

Covert Passive Communications

Orbital Jammers and Spoofers

Interplanetary TV Link

Laser Beams to Spacecraft

Earth Illuminators

Directed Laser / other Beams powered from Moon

Energy Transfer to Large Space Structures

Lunar Energy Distribution via Geo Structures

LPS – Criswell Version

Earth Rectennas – Criswell Version

Lunar Materials from Regolith Mining

Lunar Mining with Solar Power

Lunar SP Operations Pilot Plant[Criswell Version]

Sun – Moon – Earth Angles

Archimedean Zones and Non-Archimedean (newly

enabled) Space Applications

[added under separate cover]

Collaboration Provides for Synergies in Objectives and Technological Development

IndustryPublic

Intelligence Community

Rules of the Road• NASA provides Infrastructure

– Shuttle, Tug, LOX/LH2 Ports, ISS-Lunar Base

• Lunar Base with ISS Participation• US Users and International Participants will have

“Additive Cost” Access Rights to Infrastructure• From Base other Lunar Activities are p to users

(USG, Private, International) • Homesteading and Property Rights across Moon

with traditional Requirements:– Delineate Land Claim, Human Presence & Control,

Full Property Rights (Water Rights, Placer Claims, Patents, Trade Secrets, Copyrights

Great Achievements and New Worlds to Explore

Great Achievements are possible on new worlds through: Unprecedented human experience through Exploration and Discovery Discoveries beyond what we can learn at Earth Exploiting natural resources

Unifying Vision: Conquest of the “Rock of Gibraltar” of the 21st Century

The Moon is the strategic “Rock of Gibraltar” of the Solar System

Near term emphasis on Earth/Lunar SpaceTechnology development Experience utilizing current Space assets Common space infrastructure for multiple objectives

Earth to Orbit Infrastructure Crew Transfer Infrastructure

Explore and develop the Moon The stepping stone to future exploration

Before the age of flight, the Rock of Gibraltar stood guard over the narrow passage between the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans

NASA’s Defining Purpose & National Charter to Explore

Exploration Strategy Addresses NASA’s Strategic GoalsExploration Strategy Addresses NASA’s Strategic GoalsGoal 4: Explore the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology through research in the unique laboratory of space.

Goal 5: Explore the solar system and the universe beyond, understand the origin and evolution of life, and search for evidence of life elsewhere.

Goal 6: Inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Goal 7: Engage the public in shaping and sharing the experience of exploration and discovery.Goal 9: Extend the duration and boundaries of human space flight to create new opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Goal 10: Enable revolutionary capabilities through new technologies.

Let the first child born outside Earth - on the Moon be from the Americas

of a mother who risked her life in pursuit of flight and

let that child be named for all those who died in the quest of exploration from Kitty Hawk to Columbia - and those yet destined to die

for all explorers of ages past and futures yet to come

let that child be a messenger of freedom a witness to the spirit of exploration and enterprise

for all generations that will follow that child

on our journey into Space and – ultimately -

to the stars.

Q.E.D.Klaus P. Heiss - November 2003