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Space station support of manned Mars missionsThe assembly of a manned Mars interplanetary spacecraft in low Earth orbit can be best accomplished with the support of the space station. Station payload requirements for microgravity environments of .001 g and pointing stability requirements of less than 1 arc second could mean that the spacecraft may have to be assembled at a station-keeping position about 100 meters or more away from the station. In addition to the assembly of large modules and connective structures, the manned Mars mission assembly tasks may include the connection of power, fluid, and data lines and the handling and activation of components for chemical or nuclear power and propulsion systems. These assembly tasks will require the use of advanced automation and robotics in addition to Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle and Extravehicular Activity (EVA) crew support. Advanced development programs for the space station, including on-orbit demonstrations, could also be used to support manned Mars mission technology objectives. Follow-on studies should be conducted to identify space station activities which could be enhanced or expanded in scope (without significant cost and schedule impact) to help resolve key technical and scientific questions relating to manned Mars missions.
Document ID
19870008374
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Holt, Alan C.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Marshall Space Flight Center Manned Mars Mission. Working Group Papers, V. 2, Sect. 5, App.
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
87N17807
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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