Massless Exploration – Humans as a Solar System Species

Bryan Palaszewski; Vikram Shyam; Anita Alexander; Geoffrey Landis; Andrew J Trunek

NASA NTRS · 20210017571

Massless Exploration – Humans as a Solar System Species

Bryan Palaszewski·Vikram Shyam·Anita Alexander·Geoffrey Landis·Andrew J Trunek

Abstract

A vision for exploration of the solar system in an earth independent manner is presented taking into account key drivers, challenges and future technological advances. This work was in response to requirements set by the NASA Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Office. Planetary targets, key assumptions and approaches to utilizing non-terrestrial resources are presented. The mission was divided into four sprints. The first sprint aims at a settlement on Earth’s moon. The second sprint aims at establishing a Lagrangian point station near the moon. The third sprint leads to the colonization of Mars and its moons. The fourth and final sprint investigated the exploration of Callisto, a moon of Jupiter. Bio-inspired approaches to technology and processes were considered to ensure that the in-space habitats are Earth like. The conclusion based on exploring the four sprints is that it is feasible to colonize the solar system without relying on earth but this relies on critical technology development and investments in emerging areas.

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In-situ resource utilization propellants nuclear electric propulsion chemical propulsion Lunar Libration point Lagrangian Mars Phobos Deimos Jupiter Callisto mining bases colonies

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Bryan Palaszewski, Vikram Shyam, Anita Alexander, Geoffrey Landis, Andrew J Trunek. Massless Exploration – Humans as a Solar System Species. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210017571

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