论文信息 - Viability of a Reusable In-Space Transportation System

Viability of a Reusable In-Space Transportation System

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently developing options for an Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) that expands human presence from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) into the solar system and to the surface of Mars. The Hybrid in-space transportation architecture is one option being investigated within the EMC. The architecture enables return of the entire in-space propulsion stage and habitat to cis-lunar space after a round trip to Mars. This concept of operations opens the door for a fully reusable Mars transportation system from cis-lunar space to a Mars parking orbit and back. This paper explores the reuse of in-space transportation systems, with a focus on the propulsion systems. It begins by examining why reusability should be pursued and defines reusability in space-flight context. A range of functions and enablers associated with preparing a system for reuse are identified and a vision for reusability is proposed that can be advanced and implemented as new capabilities are developed. Following this, past reusable spacecraft and servicing capabilities, as well as those currently in development are discussed. Using the Hybrid transportation architecture as an example, an assessment of the degree of reusability that can be incorporated into the architecture with current capabilities is provided and areas for development are identified that will enable greater levels of reuse in the future. Implications and implementation challenges specific to the architecture are also presented.

[1] J. W. Griffin. Background and programmatic approach for the development of orbital fluid resupply tankers , 1986 .

[2] Neil Dipprey,et al. Orbital Express Propellant Resupply Servicing , 2003 .

[3] Arindam Banerjee,et al. Submitted for publication , 1981 .

[4] Laura M. Burke,et al. Overview of Mission Design for NASA Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission Concept , 2013 .

[5] Julia Badger,et al. Robonaut 2 on the International Space Station: Status Update and Preparations for IVA Mobility , 2013 .

[6] Alan W. Wilhite,et al. Plan B for U.S. Human Space Exploration Program , 2014 .

[7] Bryan Mattfeld,et al. Comparison of Human Exploration Architecture and Campaign Approaches , 2015 .

[8] Larry Toups,et al. Pioneering Objectives and Activities on the Surface of Mars , 2015 .

[9] Raymond G. Merrill,et al. An Integrated Hybrid Transportation Architecture for Human Mars Expeditions , 2015 .

[10] Raymond G. Merrill,et al. Mars Hybrid Propulsion System Trajectory Analysis. Part II; Cargo Missions , 2015 .

[11] Raymond G. Merrill,et al. Mars conjunction crewed missions with a reusable hybrid architecture , 2015, 2015 IEEE Aerospace Conference.

[12] HallAlexandra,et al. A Summary of the Economic Assessment and Systems Analysis of an Evolvable Lunar Architecture That Leverages Commercial Space Capabilities and Public–Private Partnerships , 2016 .