CIRA Preliminary Roadmap for the Development of Mars Research Project

Abstract

Human and robotic exploration is foreseen to be one of the next steps in human space colonization, and it is growing the common vision that Moon, on the pathway to Mars, is the outpost to extend human presence in deep space. At the same time, technologies and knowledge derived from space exploration tests, key factors for a more affordable, easier and quicker access to Space, will expand our understanding of the Universe, and create economic opportunities. In this scenario, CIRA intends to support the national community, involved in space colonization projects, through the Mars research project. The project is conceived as a technology-driven effort aimed at maturing a number of technologies and engineering tools necessary to enable future space exploration and colonization missions. Indeed, the project goal is to develop experimental infrastructures and necessary competences for future human and robotic Martian, Lunar and cis-Lunar exploration and colonization missions, supporting industries, universities and national research centres, to meet the challenges of this extremely promising and competitive sector. The present paper gives an overview of CIRA development plan related to Moon and Mars exploration and colonization, focusing on the design and realization of test analogue facilities and the development of enabling technologies. In the definition of the roadmap, a particular emphasis will be given to the facilities concept proposed and constituted by the following research areas: Environmental facility, Robotic laboratory, Aeolic Tunnel and Life Support System area.