Research and technology needs for human exploration and development of space

Abstract

The human exploration and development of space (HEDS) is one of four key NASA strategic enterprises aimed at opening the space frontier by exploring, using and enabling the development of space and expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space. Goals of HEDS are: to increase human knowledge of nature's processes using the space environment, exploring and settling the solar system, achieving routine space travel, and enriching life on Earth through people living and working in space. NASA's Mars Pathfinder and the International Space Station will provide extensive experience, research and technology (R&T), and infrastructure for other envisioned programs in support of HEDS. In the past decade, the Clementine and the Lunar Prospector missions have provided valuable remotely sensed data of the Moon. In addition, NASA has studied the development of a lunar habitat and human mission to Mars as possible HEDS missions. These missions face common challenges for survival of humans on the surface of planets. The R&T areas considered important for a human mission to Mars include advanced human support, space transportation, automation and robotics, space power, information processing and communications systems, sensors, and instruments. This paper provides an elaboration of these R&T areas and relates them to the elements of the Mars mission. Progress made in the development of several technologies important to the human mission to the Mars are also presented.