Power system evolution - Mars robotic outposts to human exploration

Abstract

NASA has been studying various architectures to explore Mars encompassing a range of missions including; sample return missions, a robotic outpost with extended range exploration, and eventual human exploration missions, The more demanding missions with longer range mobility, enhanced surface operations, high rate communications, propellant production, etc., will also require larger and more robust power systems. The relatively low power levels of the current suite of Mars missions are met by photovoltaic solar arrays. As the power requirements increase for both day and night operations and as expected outpost lifetimes increase, the power system designs will also have to improve their performance to meet the increased demands.