Computer Science – Performance
Scientific paper
Jan 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998uisr.work....7d&link_type=abstract
Workshop on Using In Situ resources for Construction of Planetary Outposts, p. 7
Computer Science
Performance
Life Support Systems, Supplying, Water, Mars Bases, Construction, Lunar Bases, Mars Surface Samples, Mars Exploration, Lunar Construction Equipment
Scientific paper
The NASA Mars Exploration Reference Mission envisions sending three crews of six astronauts to Mars, each for 500-day stays on the surface. In situ Resourse Unitlization (ISRU) has been baselined for the production of propellant for crews leaving the surface, as well as to create reservoirs of water and life-support consumables These applications improve performance (by reducing the mass of hardware and supplies that must be brought to Mars for the propulsion system) and reduce risk (by creating consumables as backups to stores brought from Earth). Similar applications of other types of ISRU-derived materials should be sought and selected if they similarly improve performance or reduce risk. Some possible concepts for consideration, based on a review of the components included in the Reference Mission, include (1) emplacement of a hardened landing pad; (2) construction of a roadway for transporting the nuclear power system to a safe distance from the habitat; (3) radiation shielding for inflatable structures; (4) tanks and plumbing for bioregenerative life-support system; (5) drilling rig; (6) additional access structures for equipment and personnel and unpressurized structures for vehicle storage; (7) utilitarian manufactured products (e.g., stools and benches) for habitat and laboratory; (8) thermal radiators; (9) photovoltaic devices and support structures; and ( 10) external structures for storage and preservation of Mars samples. These may be viewed principally as mission- enhancing concepts for the Reference Mission. Selection would require a clear rationale for performance improvement or risk reduction and a demonstration that the cost of developing and transporting the needed equipment would be recovered within the budget for the program. Additional work is also necessary to ascertain whether early applications of ISRU for these types of purposes could lead to the modification of later missions, allowing the replacement of infrastructure payloads currently envisioned for the Reference Mission with science or technology payloads (improving performance). This class of ISRU use can be tested on the Moon before sending people to Mars and much of the production and assembly could be done robotically. The technology developed would lead to the capability for expansion of the outpost beyond the Reference Mission, with diminished need for materials from Earth.
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