An integrated mission approach to the Space Exploration Initiative will ensure success
Abstract
The paper addresses the need for an integrated mission approach to the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) to provide the logistic support infrastructure that would allow permanent human presence in space to be sustained. An integrated infrastructure approach would reduce the number of new systems and technologies requiring development. The resulting horizontal commonality of systems and hardware would reduce the direct economic impact of SEI, while an early return on investment through technology spin-offs would be an economic benefit by greatly enhancing U.S. international technical competitiveness. Careful consideration must be given to the return on investment and commercial product potential of the technologies developed. A mission planning approach based on providing energy by power beaming gives each mission planner the needed power, yet preserves the individuality of mission requirements and objectives and reduces the concessions mission planners must make.
- Publication:
-
Space Nuclear Power Systems
- Pub Date:
- 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991snpw.proc..551C
- Keywords:
-
- Mission Planning;
- Nasa Space Programs;
- Power Beaming;
- Space Exploration;
- Spacecraft Power Supplies;
- Electric Propulsion;
- Lunar Flight;
- Manned Mars Missions;
- Space Bases;
- Space Stations;
- Transfer Orbits;
- Astronautics (General)