The Operations Requirements of Deep Space Manned Missions

Abstract

The operations requirements of deep space manned missions may be defined, and the required technologies identified and matured, through the experience gained on planetary robotics missions, the International Space Station (ISS) and Mir assembly and operations, and technology development programs including Space Launch Initiative (SLI). The ISS provides a resource for long-duration science and technology development. SLI provides a resource for advancements in critical technologies. For reduced risks and costs to future spaceflight activities, deep space crewed vehicle designers and mission planners must integrate an increasing degree of automation and robotics for vehicle assembly, operations, system monitoring, and maintenance. Autonomous vehicle monitoring must be advanced and integrated into a smart vehicle system enabling in-flight crew training to monitor and correct off-normal situations. These advances are needed because a standing army of engineers, technicians, and scientists may not be available to provide rapid data uplink, work corrective actions, or timely mission support. Initially, this paper describes potential deep space missions and identifies requirements for making those missions feasible. Next, applicable current and future technology development efforts are addressed. Finally, an example crewed deep space mission is provided to illustrate the successful integration of technologies.