Manned Mars mission accomodation by the evolutionary Space Station

Abstract

It is shown that an unmanned launch capability of about 90 metric tons to the Space Station altitude and inclination is required to support the buildup of the manned Mars mission. The paper presents details of the assembly sequence including the analysis and conceptual design of additional truss and other facilities required at the Space Station. It is noted that the The Critical Evaluation Task Force configuration (dual keel) can evolve to accommodate the Mars space vehicle buildup.