Human Exploration And Development of Space NASA and North Carolina: Building Stronger Partnerships April 24, 2002

1 When the History of the First Quarter of the 21 st Century is Written… We have sought life’s abodes: NASA missions have mapped continents on dozens of planets circling nearby stars, some of which show signs of life-supporting atmospheres. Evidence continues to mount for the existence of life on planets within our own Solar System, as revealed by advanced generations of robotic explorers. Humans and their robotic partners assembled complex science facilities in space to unveil even more challenging cosmic questions. We have enabled new commerce: Low Earth Orbit has become a rapid-growth economic zone, with commercial industries taking advantage of low-gravity, abundant solar energy, low-cost access from the Earth’s surface, and a vista that encompasses the entire planet. We share the vision and the experience: Throughout the world, students in earthbound classrooms are learning the fundamentals of physics, math, and technology as they actively participate with space travelers via “telepresence technology.” And we continue to prepare the way for humanity’s greatest adventures.

2 NASA’s Vision To improve life here, To extend life to there, To find life beyond. To understand and protect our home planet To explore the Universe and search for life To inspire the next generation of explorers …as only NASA can. NASA’s Mission

3 To Explore the Universe and Search for Life Exploring the Universe and the life within it… enabled by technology, first with robotic trailblazers, and eventually humans… as driven by these compelling scientific questions: How did we get here? Where are we going? Are we alone?

4 History of major Solar System events Effects of deep space on cells Impact of human and natural events upon Earth Origin of life in the Solar System Planetary sample analysis: absolute age determination “calibrating the clocks” Measurement of genomic responses to radiation Measurement of Earth’s vital signs “taking the pulse” Detection of bio- markers and hospitable environments Moon Mars Asteroids Venus Beyond Van Allen belts Earth orbits Libration points Mars Europa Titan Cometary nuclei Libration points How did the Solar System evolve? How do humans adapt to space? What is Earth’s sustainability and habitability? Is there Life beyond the planet of origin? Origin of life in the Universe Science Drivers Determine Destinations (Selected Examples) Vision Exploration of Life in the Universe PursuitsActivities Science Question s Destinations

5 Sustainable Planetary Presence Go anywhere, anytime … not destination driven Earth and Low Earth Orbit Earth’s Neighborhood Accessible Planetary Surface A Progressive Expansion Science-Driven Science-Driven Technology Enabled Technology Enabled Stepping Stones Stepping Stones Sequence: Robots, humans, new markets Sequence: Robots, humans, new markets Leveraging Partnerships Leveraging Partnerships

Now Progressive Exploration Capabilities Sustainable Planetary Surface Capability Accessible Planetary Surface Capability In-space propulsion, Isp>1000 sec, high thrustIn-space propulsion, Isp>1000 sec, high thrust Power systems, >200 w/kgPower systems, >200 w/kg Integrated Human/ robotic capabilitiesIntegrated Human/ robotic capabilities Crew countermeasures for 100 daysCrew countermeasures for 100 days Closure of water/air systemsClosure of water/air systems Materials, factor of 9Materials, factor of 9 IVHM - Integrated Vehicle Health MonitoringIVHM - Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring Current launch systemsCurrent launch systems In-space propulsion, Isp>3000 sec, high thrustIn-space propulsion, Isp>3000 sec, high thrust Power systems, >500 w/kgPower systems, >500 w/kg Robotic aggregation/assemblyRobotic aggregation/assembly Crew countermeasures for 1-3 yearsCrew countermeasures for 1-3 years Complete closure of air/water; options for foodComplete closure of air/water; options for food Materials, factor of 20Materials, factor of 20 Micro-/Nano- avionicsMicro-/Nano- avionics ~$2000/kg Payload: 40 to ~$2000/kg Payload: 40 to 80mt In-space propulsion, Isp>3000 sec, high thrustIn-space propulsion, Isp>3000 sec, high thrust Sustainable power systemsSustainable power systems Intelligent systems, orbital and planetaryIntelligent systems, orbital and planetary Crew countermeasures for indefinite durationCrew countermeasures for indefinite duration Closure of life support, including foodClosure of life support, including food ISRU for consumables & sparesISRU for consumables & spares Materials, factor of 40Materials, factor of 40 Automated reasoning and smart sensingAutomated reasoning and smart sensing <$2000/kg Payload: 40 to <$2000/kg Payload: 40 to 80mt Earth’s Neighborhood Capability

7 Current Concepts & Technologies New Concepts New Technologies New Concepts Using New Technologies Revolutionary Concepts Using Breakthrough Technologies New Concepts and Current Technologies Current Concepts and New Technologies Technology Approach

8 The Criteria Compelling science objectives and benefits Knowledge about destinations Reliable and affordable mission concepts Acceptable technology readiness achieved Validation of capabilities for deep space missions Identified opportunities for partnership/leadership Inspiring and engaging to students and the public What must we know to make informed decisions? Enabling the Strategy The Hurdles Space Transportation –Safe, fast, and efficient Affordable, Abundant Power –Solar and nuclear Crew Health and Safety –Countermeasures and medical autonomy Optimized Robotic and Human Operations –Dramatically higher productivity; on-site intelligence Space Systems Performance –Advanced materials, low- mass, self-healing, self- assembly, self- sufficiency…

Mass Savings Normalized to ISS Mass Today Technology Advanced Avionics (7%) Maintenance & Spares (18%) Advanced Materials (17%) Closed life Support (34%) Nuclear Propulsion (45%) Aerobraking (42%) The Value of Technology Investments Crewed Mars Mission Example Estimated ISS Completed Mass: 470 mt

10 Work Breakdown Structure Exploration Technology 1.0 Systems Integration, Analysis, Concepts, Modeling 2.0 Enabling Advanced Research and Technology 3.0 Technology Flight Demonstrations 2.1 Space Resources Development 2.2 Space Utilities and Power 2.3 Habitation and Bio- astronautics 2.4 Space Assembly, Inspection & Maintenance 2.5 Exploration and Expeditions 2.6Space Trans- portation 2.7 In-Space Instruments and Sensors

11 Areas for Investment Attention Solar Power (High Power) Space Assembly, Maintenance & Servicing (Robotic, EVA) Cryogenic Propellant Depots Biological Risk (Radiation) Aero- Assist/Entry and Landing Electric/Electromagnetic* Propulsion (High Power) Adaptation and Countermeasures (Gravity) Communications and Control Human Factors and Habitability Regenerative Life Support Systems Surface Science & Mobility Materials and Structures (Manufacturing Validation) Space Medicine and Health Care Earth-to-Orbit Transportation In-Space Chemical Propulsion Nuclear Propulsion Advanced Habitation Systems Nuclear Power In Situ Resource Utilization In Situ Manufacturing Flying Systems “Earth Neighborhood” Mission Driven Accessible Planetary Mission Driven Sustained Planetary Presence Driven

12 “As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.” A. de Saint-Exupery 12