A Synergistic Strategy for Robotic and Human NEO Exploration

1. A Synergistic Strategy for Robotic and Human NEO Exploration Tom Jones Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition IPEWG 2011 24 Aug 11

2. Synergistic NEO Strategy Setting the Stage • NASA Human Spaceflight Policy is “Flexible” • End of space shuttle program • Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle • Space Launch System • Flat budgets from White House • Budget cutting threat • No clear path toward stated 2025 Human NEO Expedition

3. Synergistic NEO Strategy Importance of NEO Search Program • NASA Advisory Council’s Ad Hoc Task Force on Planetary Defense (Oct 2010) • http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/490945main_10-10_TFPD.pdf • Target NEO workshop conclusion: • “comprehensive NEO survey should be NASA priority” -- http://targetneo.org • At least as important as MPCV and SLS vehicles

4. Synergistic NEO Strategy Importance of NEO Search Program (cont’d) • Catalog of hazardous NEOs • Early detection  time for planning deflection • Cues ground-based systems for precise orbit determination, characterization • Rapid revisit of detected NEOs  orbit precision • Identify human mission targets • Low delta-V • Minimum mission duration • Program flexibility for launch windows

5. Synergistic NEO Strategy Synergies • NEO activity is “3-D”: exploration, science, planetary defense (PD) • Minor incremental cost to “other” NEO missions can yield large increase in exploration, PD knowledge • Time is a 4th, powerful dimension of synergy • Early integration of exploration & PD into NEO missions drives maturity of ops techniques, technology • Can reduce need for, and cost of, duplicate flight missions

6. Synergistic NEO Strategy Examples: Science, Exploration, Planetary Defense • Low-g, irregular-g proximity operations algorithms • Descent, ascent sensors, guidance • NEO interior structure, physical and mechanical properties, surface material stability • Anchoring technologies

7. Synergistic NEO Strategy Synergies (cont’d) • Budget projections are not rosy • Integrating PD, science, and human exploration objectives increases overall knowledge return • Raises value of mission • Meets needs of managers, policy makers, scientists, public • Each mission adds momentum toward human NEO exploration • 2010 Discovery AO noted value of science, exploration, PD

8. Synergistic NEO Strategy Sequence of NEO Exploration Milestones • Space-based NEO search • NEOSSat, NEOCam, NEO Survey, etc. • Series of small rendezvous spacecraft to visit spectrum of NEO types, compositions • Hayabusa II, OSIRIS-REx, etc. • New line of affordable micro-spacecraft • Characterize range of terrains, materials for astronauts • Robotic exploration of Moon in parallel • Astronauts to lunar orbit, EM-L1 for deep space testing • Limited series of astronaut NEO expeditions in 2020s • Lunar option if resources demand human access

9. Synergistic NEO Strategy Robotic precursors enable human explorers at NEO • Need early, space-based search to provide program flexibility (launch windows, lower Δ-V, flight duration) • Scouting a NEO target in advance enables: • Sampling site selection • Resource extraction processes • Surface mechanical properties • Arrival, departure imagery; deflection demo monitor • Operations planning (filling in the crew’s checklists) • Tools, Science, Rendezvous, Descent, EVA, etc. • Assessment and reduction of the biggest risks

10. Synergistic NEO Strategy Conclusions • Astronaut expeditions to NEOs will occur for reasons “in addition to” scientific investigation • Can expect important results in: • Science • Planetary defense • Resource potential for future exploration, wealth • Mars-forward experience and momentum • Participatory exploration by public • Much leverage to be gained by early NEO search, robotic precursor program • Clear potential for international collaboration in a synergistic program of robotic & human NEO exploration

11. Synergistic NEO Strategy Questions? Tom Jones tjones@ihmc.us NASA

12. Synergistic NEO Strategy