How Science can Benefit from Synergies with Human Space Exploration: The Case for Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs)

Abstract

Science and human space exploration have historically developed as two entities independent from each other, where sometimes the interests of one community fight against those of the other, and where the achievements and budgets associated to human space exploration are seen as resources subtracted from science. However, science can benefit from human space exploration, and novel space missions designed on a global optimization, that balance both benefits for human space exploration and science, can constitute a new and financially sustainable approach for space exploration. The case for Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs) represents a good example, as associated to NEAs there is a mix of activities that includes both science (ground and space observations, robotic space missions, advanced remote sensing) and human space exploration (and operations), along with technology development and testing. The case of NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) will be analyzed, starting with a focus on its original goals and ambitions, what it achieved, how it has been perceived from the scientific community and the industrial complex, how it evolved, and how it ended, with a final consideration on its heritage and lessons learnt.