Robotic Precursors to Human Mars Missions

Abstract

In the 1960's, the Surveyor program was undertaken to collect data and test technologies which would pave the way for humans to set foot on the moon. As NASA contemplates a human mission to Mars, the Mars Surveyor program will similarly lead the way for human explorers. Beginning with missions set to fly in 2001, NASA's lead center for human exploration, JSC, and its lead center for robotic exploration, JPL, will join forces to begin acquiring the data and demonstrating the technologies required to send humans to the red planet in the second decade of the new millennium. The 2001 Surveyor Orbiter will test the technique of aerobraking to capture into Martian orbit, and will carry an instrument to measure the radiation environment in Martian orbit. The 2001 Lander will likewise carry a radiation monitor which will document the radiation environment at the surface. The combination of the two instruments will provide scientists and engineers with data about the radiation shielding capabilities of Mars atmosphere. The lander will also carry an instrument to measure characteristics of the Martian soil and dust such as particle size and shape, toxicity, reactivity, and elements harmful to humans. It will also demonstrate two technologies critical to future human missions: precision landing and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Precision landing will be accomplished by altering the Surveyor entry vehicle to provide lift and control. By flying a controlled entry rather than the ballistic entry of all previous Mars missions, the size of the landing footprint will be greatly reduced. ISRU is a technology critical to reducing the cost of human exploration, and the ISRU demonstration will test the components of a propellant production system which come in contact with the Martian environment in addition to producing small quantities of oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. Future robotic missions will continue to respond to the need for data sets and technology demonstrations needed to reduce the cost and risk of eventual human missions to Mars. Planning teams are currently considering high bandwidth communications, biconic entry vehicles, and a full end-to-end demonstration of an ISRU propellant production system with an accompanying propulsion demonstration for the 2003 Mars Surveyor mission. The 2005 mission will be dedicated to returning selected Martian samples to Earth where they can be studied in great detail.