NASA has released updated documents outlining its plan for exploring the solar system, with a focus on long-term lunar exploration and eventual human missions to Mars. The agency’s new “Moon to Mars” architecture roadmap sets the stage for the Artemis campaign, which aims to establish a human presence on the Moon and pave the way for future crewed missions to the Red Planet.
The updated documents include revised technical approaches, an executive overview, and 12 new white papers that address key topics related to lunar exploration. One of the newly released white papers highlights NASA’s decision to use fission power as the primary source of energy on Mars, which will be unaffected by day-night cycles or potential dust storms.
The roadmap also introduces two new components: a lunar surface cargo lander and an initial lunar surface habitat. The cargo lander will deliver essential supplies, science equipment, and communications systems, while the habitat will provide a safe haven for astronauts on the lunar surface. These additions are part of NASA’s efforts to create a robust architecture that incorporates feedback from industry partners, academia, and international partners.
According to NASA officials, identifying high-level architecture decisions is crucial to realizing a crewed Mars exploration campaign. The agency’s approach involves analyzing feedback from stakeholders and using decision-making models to prioritize research into new technologies that will enable the Moon to Mars architecture.
The updated roadmap provides a glimpse into NASA’s vision for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon and its plans for establishing a human presence on Mars. As part of the Artemis campaign, NASA aims to land the next Americans and first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface and prepare for future expeditions to the Red Planet.
For more information on NASA’s “Moon to Mars” architecture roadmap, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/moontomarsarchitecture
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-outlines-latest-moon-to-mars-plans-in-2024-architecture-update