Human Exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0 July 29, 2009

1. Human Exploration of MarsDesign Reference Architecture 5.0July 29, 2009

2. Mars Design Reference Mission Evolution and Purpose JSC-63725 NASA’s Decadal Planning Team Mars Mission Analysis Summary Bret G. Drake Editor JSC-63724 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 77058 Released February 2007 Exploration Blueprint Data Book Bret G. Drake Editor National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 77058 Released February 2007 • Exploration mission planners maintain “Reference Mission” or “Reference Architecture” • Represents current “best” strategy for human missions 1988-89: NASA “Case Studies” 1990: “90-Day” Study 1991: “Synthesis Group” 1992-93: NASA Mars DRM v1.0 1998: NASA Mars DRM v3.0 • The Mars DRA is not a formal plan, but provides a vision and context to tie current systems and technology developments to potential future missions • Also serves as benchmark against which alternative architectures can be measured • Constantly updated as we learn 1998-2001: Associated v3.0 Analyses 2002-2004: DPT/NExT 2007 Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0 National Aeronautics and Space Administration

3. Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0Forward Deployment Strategy • Twenty-six months prior to crew departure from Earth, pre-deploy: • Mars surface habitat lander to Mars orbit • Mars ascent vehicle and exploration gear to Martian surface • Deployment of initial surface exploration assets • Production of ascent propellant (oxygen) prior to crew departure from Earth • Crew travel to Mars on “fast” (six month) trajectory • Reduces risks associated with zero-g, radiation • Rendezvous with surface habitat lander in Mars orbit • Crew lands in surface habitat which becomes part of Mars infrastructure • Sufficient habitation and exploration resources for 18 month stay National Aeronautics and Space Administration

4. DRA 5.0 Transportation OptionsNTR & Chemical/Aerocapture NTR Crew Vehicle Elements Chemical Crew Vehicle Elements Saddle Truss & LH2 Drop Tank TransHab Module, Orion CEV/SM PVAs MOI/TEI Module for TEI (1) Common “Core”Propulsion Stage MOI/TEI Module for TEI (1) Short Saddle Truss, 2nd Docking Port, andJettisonable Food Container Common TMI Module (3) Chemical / Aerocapture Cargo Vehicle Configuration NTR Cargo Vehicle Elements MOI/TEI Module for MOI (1) Payload Common “Core”Propulsion Stage AC / EDL Aeroshell(10 m D x 30 m L)with Interior Payload Common TMI Module (2) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

5. Crew and Cargo Transportation to LEO • Crew Delivery to LEO • Provide safe delivery of crew to Earth orbit for rendezvous with the Mars Transfer Vehicle • End of Mission Crew Return • Provide safe return of crew from the Mars-Earth transfer trajectory to Earth at the end of the mission ARES I / ORION ARES V • Heavy-lift Cargo to Low-Earth Orbit • 130+ t per launch • Large volume • 30 day launch centers • Total Mass in Low-Earth Orbit • ~ 800 t for NTR (7-9 launches) • ~1,200 t for Chemical (9-12 launches) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

6. Long surface stays with visits to multiple sites provides scientific diversity thus maximizing science return Mobility at great distances (100’s km) from the landing site enhances science return (diversity) Subsurface access of 100’s m or more highly desired Advanced laboratory and sample assessment capabilities necessary for high-grading samples for return Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0Surface Exploration and Discovery National Aeronautics and Space Administration

7. Human Exploration of MarsKey Challenges • Landing large payloads on the surface of Mars • Launch of large mass, large volumes to Earth orbit • Support of humans in space for extended durations including radiation protection and low-g countermeasures • Lack of resupply and early-return aborts • Maintenance and storage of cryogenic fluids for long periods • Production of consumables at Mars (ISRU) • Extended mobility of 100’s km • System reliability, system reliability, system, reliability

8. Human Exploration of MarsEvolutionary Strategy • Zero-gravity countermeasures • Gravity sensitive physics • Long duration system performance • Simulation of operational and mission concepts Knowledge / Experience / Confidence Earth/ISS Moon Mars via Robotics • Demonstration and use of Mars prototype systems • Large-scale systems-of-systems validation • Surface exploration scenarios and techniques • Long-term exposure of systems to the deep-space environment including radiation and dust • Long-term “dry run” rehearsals • Gathering environmental data of Mars • Demonstration of large-scale EDL • Advanced technology demonstrations • Site certification National Aeronautics and Space Administration