The new millennium program architecture and access to space

Abstract

The new millennium program (NMP) validates technologies that will support future NASA earth and space science missions. NMP flight validates as many subsystem- and system-level technologies as funding permits. If the program can be designed, or architected, around the use of cost-effective access-to-space (ATS) accommodations, NMP's cost for access to space will be reduced and more technologies can be flown. Examples of alternative ATS accommodations are: less-expensive spacecraft and launch vehicles, space platforms other than free-flying spacecraft, synergies with other projects, partnering with unrelated missions, and back-to-basics networking with colleagues through conferences and other venues. This paper introduces a trade space from which these options may be discussed. The advantages vary with the type of NMP mission (subsystem or system). This preliminary look at the option space focuses on two alternative approaches: using less-expensive spacecraft and partnering with other missions. Less-expensive spacecraft can provide a platform for flying NMP subsystem technologies, and partnering with other missions can be a cost-effective approach for NMP system-level technology validations