Dec 13, 2024
RELEASE 24-149
An artistâs concept of the Earth, Moon, and Mars.
Credit: NASA
As NASA develops a blueprint for space exploration throughout the solar system for the benefit of humanity, the agency released several new documents Friday updating its Moon
to Mars architecture. The roadmap sets NASA on course for long-term lunar exploration under the Artemis campaign in preparation for future crewed missions to Mars.
Following an Architecture Concept Review, the
2024 updates include a revision of NASAâs Architecture Definition Document which details technical approaches and
processes of the agencyâs exploration plans, an executive overview, and 12 new white papers on key Moon to Mars topics.
âNASAâs Architecture Concept Review process is critical to getting us on a path to mount a human mission to Mars,â said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. âWeâre taking a methodical
approach to mapping out the decisions we need to make, understanding resource and technological trades, and ensuring we are listening to feedback from stakeholders.ââ¯â¯
One newly released white paper highlights NASAâs decision to use fission power as the primary source of power on the Martian surface to sustain crews â the first of seven key decisions
necessary for human Mars exploration. Fission power is a form of nuclear power unaffected by day and night cycles or potential dust storms on Mars.
New additions this year also include a broader, prioritized list of key architecture decisions that need to be made early in NASAâs plans to send humans to the Red Planet. Two new elements
are now part of the agencyâs Moon to Mars architecture â a lunar surface cargo lander and an initial lunar surface habitat. The lunar surface cargo lander will deliver logistics items, science and technology payloads, communications systems, and more. The
initial surface habitat will house astronauts on the lunar surface to extend the crew size, range, and duration of exploration missions and enable crewed and uncrewed science opportunities.
The newest revision of the Architecture Definition Document adds more information about NASAâs decision road mapping process â how the agency decides which decisions must be made early
in the planning process based on impacts to subsequent decisions â and a list of architecture-driven opportunities that help technology development organizations prioritize research into new technologies that will enable the Moon to Mars architecture.
âIdentifying and analyzing high-level architecture decisions are the first steps to realizing a crewed Mars exploration campaign,â said Catherine Koerner, associate administrator, Exploration
Systems Development Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. âEach yearly assessment cycle as part of our architecture process is moving us closer to ensuring we have a well thought out plan to accomplish our exploration objectives.â
NASAâs Moon to Mars architecture approach incorporates feedback from U.S. industry, academia, international partners, and the NASA workforce. The agency typically releases a series
of technical documents at the end of its annual analysis cycle, including an update of the Architecture Definition Document and white papers that elaborate on frequently raised topics.â¯
Under NASAâsâ¯Artemisâ¯campaign, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific
exploration at the Moon, land the next Americans and first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.â¯
For NASAâs Moon to Mars architecture documents, visit:â¯
https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture
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