Logistical Analysis of a Flexible Human-and-Robotic Mars Exploration Campaign

摘要

With some modifications to NASA's proposed Mars exploration in-space transportation architecture, the flexible shared human and robotic campaign presented in this Note is feasible from a mass perspective and is a viable alternative campaign architecture. An initial human and telerobotic exploration of Mars, Phobos, and Deimos would require, when compared to NASA's design reference architecture, 20% less initial mass in low Earth orbit. Furthermore, the human and telerobotic mission requires a lower initial investment in systems, technology, and risk while providing sample return from three celestial bodies and valuable operational experience. Further, future missions can be built upon this original mission, creating an extended flexible campaign of small, similar, and effective missions that ultimately culminates in a human landing on Mars. Designing an exploration campaign in this modular fashion brings scientific returns forward while allowing the campaign to respond to future uncertainties.