Subscale precursor to a human Mars mission using in situ propellant production

Abstract

Current plans for a human mission to Mars rely on in situ propellant production to reduce the size and cost of vehicles used in the mission. Original plans were to demonstrate propellant production during the robotic exploration of Mars, specifically during a sample return mission to be launched in 2005. These plans have been scrapped, leaving several critical technologies, including in situ propellant production, untested. It is proposed that the sample return mission currently planned to be launched in 2007 be dedicated to testing in situ propellant production and other technologies which are critical to a future human mission. The primary objective of the mission will be technology demonstration, with the scientific objective of returning samples still important but secondary. These critical technologies, including in situ propellant production, cryogen storage, and aeroshell design are described and a mission concept including these technologies is outlined. The major trade involved in testing technologies with such a mission is the applicability to future human missions versus suitability/cost in a smaller robotic mission.