National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASAs Human Exploration and

Operations Update
William H. Gerstenmaier
Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations
NASA Headquarters
October 23, 2014

Strategic Principles for Sustainable Exploration

Implementable in the near-term with the buying power of current budgets
and in the longer term with budgets commensurate with economic growth;
Exploration enables science and science enables exploration, leveraging
robotic expertise for human exploration of the solar system

Application of high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies for

near term missions, while focusing sustained investments on technologies
and capabilities to address challenges of future missions;
Near-term mission opportunities with a defined cadence of compelling and
integrated human and robotic missions providing for an incremental buildup of
capabilities for more complex missions over time;
Opportunities for U.S. commercial business to further enhance the
experience and business base
Multi-use, evolvable space infrastructure, minimizing unique major
developments;
Substantial international and commercial participation, leveraging current
International Space Station and other partnerships.

The Future of Human Space Exploration

NASAs Building Blocks to M ar s
Pushing the
boundar ies in
cis-lunar space

U.S. companies
pr ovide
affor dable
access to low
Ear th or bit

M aster ing the

fundamentals
aboar d the
Inter national
Space Station

Developing
planetar y
independence
by explor ing
M ar s, its
moons, and
other deep
space
destinations

The next step: tr aveling

beyond low-Ear th or bit with
the Space Launch System
r ocket and Or ion cr ew
capsule

M issions: 6 to 1 2 months M issions: 1 month up to 1 2 months

Retur n: hour s
Retur n: days

Ear th Reliant

Pr oving Gr ound

M issions: 2 to 3 year s
Retur n: months

Ear th Independent

Human Exploration Pathways

Mastering the Fundamentals
Extended Habitation Capability (ISS)
- High Reliability Life Support
Deep-space Transportation (SLS and Orion)
Exploration EVA
Automated Rendezvous & Docking
Docking System

Land on Mars

Toward Earth Independent

Crewed Orbit of Mars or Phobos/Deimos

Pushing the Boundaries

Deep Space Operations
- Deep Space Trajectories
- Deep Space Radiation Environment
- Integrated Human/Robotic Vehicle
Advanced In-Space Propulsion (SEP)
- Moving Large Objects
Exploration of Solar System Bodies

Bringing the moon within

Earths economic sphere.

EARTH RELIANT
NEAR-TERM OBJECTIVES
DEVELOP AND VALIDATE EXPLORATION CAPABILITIES IN AN IN-SPACE ENVIRONMENT
Long duration, deep space habitation systems
Next generation space suit
Autonomous operations
Communications with increased delay
Human and robotic mission operations
Operations with reduced logistics capability
Integrated exploration hardware testing
LONG-DURATION HUMAN HEALTH EVALUATION
Evaluate mitigation techniques for crew health and performance in micro-g space
environment
Acclimation from zero-g to low-g
COMMERCIAL CREW TRANSPORTATION
Acquire routine U.S. crew transportation to LEO
5

Earth Reliant: Exploration Systems Flight Testing on ISS

NASA Docking System

Solar arrays
Life Support Systems

Crew Support Systems

Refueling
Optical Comm

Trash compactor
Rendezvous sensors

Habitation
Structures
Leak detection
Crew Medical
Systems

EVA Systems

Amine Swingbed
CO2 Removal

Expanding Research on ISS

Cold Atom Lab

GeneLab

Rodent Research

Hazards of Spaceflight
Hazards Drive Human Spaceflight Risks

Altered Gravity Physiological Changes

Distance from Earth

Balance Disorders
Fluid Shifts
Visual Alterations
Cardiovascular Deconditioning
Decreased Immune Function
Muscle Atrophy
Bone Loss

Space Radiation
Acute In-flight effects
Long term cancer risk

Drives the need for additional

autonomous medical care
capacity cannot come home for
treatment

Hostile/
Closed Environment
Vehicle Design
Environmental CO2 Levels,
Toxic Exposures, Water, Food

Isolation & Confinement

Behavioral aspect of isolation
Sleep disorders

The Joint US-Russian One-Year Mission

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian Cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko

Commercial Cargo

SpaceX Dr agon

Or bital Cygnus

Commercial Crew Program Overview

Commercial Crew- US Transportation to ISS

Boeing

Space-X

Commercial Crew awards made with initial flights planned for 2017
Phased acquisition using competitive down-selection with full and open competition
Firm fixed-price, performance-based, with fixed-price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite
Quantity (IDIQ)

BOEING - CCiCap Initiative

Boeings crew space transportation system is comprised of
its reusable CST-100 spacecraft, the United Launch Alliance
Atlas V launch vehicle, mission operations and ground
systems.

Artist concepts of Boeings CST-100

Boeing is continuing to develop its integrated space

transportation system with design reviews and hardware
testing.

FORWARD INNOVATION
Weld-free capsule
Tablet technology
Evaluating lightweight ablator concepts
Wide Area Network
Boeing Sky Interior lighting
Artist concept of integrated
CST-100 and Atlas V rocket

CST-100 water contingency

landing scenario testing

Liquid-propelled abort system

Newly developed humidity removal system
Vision-based approach, rendezvous and docking
system
Air bag system for soft land and water landings
REMAINING MILESTONES

Launch abort engine hot-fire test in California

All milestones completed

SPACEX CCiCap Initiative

SpaceXs crew transportation system is based on the Dragon
spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle originally developed for
International Space Station cargo missions. Initially designed to
carry cargo, the Dragons components are being modified for
added safety and crew accommodations.
Dragon V2 at SpaceX headquarters

Dragon test article used

for parachute testing

Astronaut fit-check in
the Dragon

Falcon 9 first stage at SpaceX headquarters

FORWARD INNOVATION
State-of-the-art avionics
Newly developed spacesuits
First stage engine-out to orbit capability
Modern user interfaces for displays and controls
Newly developed humidity removal system
3-D printing of titanium and Inconel steel
Large-scale composite structures
Advanced thermal protection
REMAINING MILESTONES
Pad Abort Test
Dragon Primary Structure Qualification
Crew Vehicle Technical Interchange Meetings
Delta Crew Vehicle Critical Design Review
In-Flight Abort Test

Earth Reliant: A Commercial Marketplace in LEO

PROVING GROUND
NEAR-TERM OBJECTIVES
VALIDATE
SLS and Orion in deep space
Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) systems
Long duration, deep space habitation systems
Mitigation techniques for crew health and performance in a deep space
environment
Galactic Cosmic Background radiation experience
In-Situ Resource Utilization
Operations with reduced logistics capability
CONDUCT
EVAs in deep space, micro-g environments
Human and robotic mission operations
Capability Pathfinder and Strategic Knowledge Gaps (SKG) missions
Investigate staging options for human deep space mission from this region of
space.
16

Exploration Mission Timeline

2010
PA-1

2014
EFT-1

2017
EM-1

2018
AA2

2021
EM-2

The SLS System- Block 1

Launch Vehicle Spacecraft
Adapter is new development
Contract Awarded Feb 2014
5 Segment
Solid Rocket Boosters
Currently Exist

Contract : Teledyne Brown

Contract: ATK

5 Meter Payload Fairings

& LV Adapters
Heritage Designs
Contracts: TBD

Interim Cryogenic Propulsive

Stage (ICPS) is a modified
Delta IV upper stage
Contract Being Definitized
Contract: Boeing / United Launch Alliance

Core Stage & Avionics

are new developments
In Production
Contract : Boeing

RS-25 Engines
Currently Exist
Contract: Aerojet Rocketdyne

Modern manufacturing is key to lower cost. Existing systems chosen for flat line
18
budget consideration and lower development cost and risk.

Evolving Capability

Orion, Multi-Purpose
Crew Vehicle
(MPCV- LMCO)
Interim Cryogenic
Propulsion Stage (ICPS)
(EELV 5m DCSS
Boeing/ULA)

Core Stage/Avionics
(Boeing)
5-Segment Solid
Rocket Booster
(SRB) (ATK)
Core Stage
Engines (RS-25)
(Aerojet Rocketdyne)

Block 1
Initial Capability, 2017-21
70 metric ton Payload

Launch
Abort
System
Launch
Vehicle/Stage
Adapter (LVSA)
(TBE)

Commonality of
Payload Interfaces
Mechanical
Avionics
Software

Upper Stage &

Core Stage Commonality
Same diameter (27.5 ft.) and basic design
Manufacturing facilities, tooling, materials,
& processes/practices
Workforce
Supply chain/industry base
Transportation logistics
Ground systems/launch infrastructure
Propellants

Commonality of Core Stage

Cargo
Fairing
33 ft (10m)

Upper
Stage

Advanced
Solid or
Liquid
(i.e., RP
Engines)
Boosters

Commonality of Engines
Evolutionary Path to Future Capabilities
Minimizes unique configurations
Allows incremental development

Block 2 Capability
130 metric ton
Payload

Space Launch System

Solid Progress on Development

Ten barrels have been welded, including the first

four LH2 qualification barrels, for the SLS core stage

The 170-foot Vertical Assembly Center at

NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility will weld
parts for the #SLS core stage

NASA has successfully tested the most complex

rocket engine parts ever designed on a test stand at
Marshall Space Flight Center

Recent Progress

Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter: Contract

awarded in February 2014.
Avionics: Avionics first light marked in January
2014; currently testing most powerful flight system
computer processor ever.

MPCV-to-Stage Adapter:
First flight hardware currently in Florida for
Exploration Flight Test-1 in Fall 2014.

Core Stage: Initial confidence barrels and domes

completed; Vertical Assembly Center activation
completed in Sept. 2014.

Boosters: Forward Skirt test completed May

2014; preparations underway for QM-1.

Engines: Preparing for RS-25 testing at at

Stennis Space Center; renovations underway to
B-2 stand.

SLS Milestones Schedule

2011

MCR

2012

2013

SRR/SDR

PDR

2014

KDP-C

2015
CDR

DCR

Launch Availability

Implementation

Main
Engine
Test-Firing

SLS Design
Chosen

Engines
Delivered to
Inventory

Manufacturing
Tooling Installation

Production of
First New
Flight
Hardware

Booster
Development
Test

Concept
Studies

Concept & Technology

Development

Wind Tunnel
Testing

Vehicle Stacking
at KSC

Preliminary Design &

Technology Completion

SRR: System Requirements Review

DCR: Design Certification Review

SDR: System Definition Review

SAR: System Acceptance Review

PDR: Preliminary Design Review

FRR: Flight Readiness Review

Core Stage
Assembly
Orion
Flight
Test

STA
Production
Begins

CDR: Critical Design Review

www.nasa.gov/sls

Core Stage
Structure
Testing

ICPS
Production
Begins

MCR: Mission Concept Review

KDP-C: Key Decision Point

201718
SAR

PROGRAM PROGRESS

Formulation

2016

Booster
Assembly at
KSC

Internal
Launch
Readiness
Booster
Qualification
Tests

Final Design & Fabrication

Core Stage
Test-Firing

System Assembly, Integration & Test, Launch & Checkout

The Orion Spacecraft

Launch Abort
System

Crew
Module /
CM Adapter

ESA
Service
Module

Orion Spacecraft
First Flight Test in 2014

Technicians dressed in clean-room suits have

installed a back shell tile panel onto the Orion
crew module

Recovery team members work to secure a test

version of Orion in the Pacific Ocean during
Underway Recovery Tests 3 & 4

The Orion crew module is complete!

Technicians and engineers at Kennedy Space
Center put the finishing touches on the crew module

Orion heads to the Launch Abort System Facility

for the installation of final piece before the
spacecraft is ready to launch

EFT-1 Launch Vehicle

Crew Module

Launch Abort System

Service Module

Parachute Drop Tests

Astronauts helping design Orion

Mission Control Center

Underway Recovery Test

2014 Exploration Flight Test One

27

27

EFT-1 Test Objectives

EFT-1 Mission success criteria:
Successfully launch and deliver EFT-1 into the planned orbit
Demonstrate critical separation events during ascent and deorbit
Demonstrate TPS performance during high energy return
Demonstrate descent, landing, and recovery.

Crew Module (CM)

Production primary structure
Mechanisms: CM/SM, LAS/CM, FBC, SM umb sep. Docking,
DMJS
TPS BEO heat rate capable, BEO heat load capable
Batteries w/4 bus EPS and Power Data Units
Dual redundant primary flight computers
Backup flight control system
Triple Dual redundant TTGbe data bus
Triple Dual redundant OIMUs
C&T system with phased array antennas
OFI and DFI data
ECLS ATCS, ARS, Cabin PCS
Dual string Hydrazine RCS
Ascent, Abort, Orbit, RPOD, Entry GNC
Human Capable Landing & Recovery Systems & Loads Mgmt
Crew Displays/Crew Systems

Launch Abort System (LAS)

Spacecraft
Adapter/Fairings

Production primary structure

Abort Motor
Attitude Control Motor
Jettison Motor
Boost Protective Cover/Acoustic
Shroud
C&T antennas
DFI data

Production primary structure

Mechanisms: Fairing sep
DFI data

Service Module (SM)

Production primary structure

Mechanisms: SC sep, SM umb
Solar array power production
Power Data Units
Phased Array Antennas
Hypergolic Main Engine, RCS, storage tanks
ATCS w/radiators
DFI data

Legend
Text boxes include system description of EFT1 configuration based on an EM-2 listing
Strike through text indicates EM2 system not
present on EFT-1
Blue test indicates modified EM2 configuration
present on EFT-1

2017: Exploration Mission (EM) -1 SLS/Orion

Uncrewed Flight Test
Mission Objectives/Operations:
SLS heavy lift capability
Autonomous Orion operations in the Distant
Retrograde Orbit environment
Deploy secondary payloads
Demonstrate Critical Mission Events
Separation Events - Booster/Core, Service
Module fairings, Crew Module/Launch
Abort System, Orion to SLS
Maneuvers Interim Cryo Propulsion
Stage TLI, Service Module Orbit and Entry
burns
Beyond Earth Orbit re-entry (11 km/s)
Validate Thermal Protection System
performance
Chute deploy, Crew Module uprighting and
recovery
Demonstrate integrated vehicle systems in flight
Deep space communication and tracking
Integrated power and thermal
Attitude control and in-space maneuvering
Validate environments
Aerodynamic, Aerothermal, Acoustics,
(shock and vibration), Structural Loads,
Thermal, Radiation

SLS Block 1

ICPS Upper Stage

Orion

SLS Block I Vehicle

Core Stage with 4 RS-25 engines
Two 5 segment boosters
Non-human rated ICPS Upper Stage
Orion Vehicle
Cis-Lunar configuration (no ECLSS)
DRO Mission Profile
3U/6U Secondary Payloads on SLS

29

Exploration Mission 1 Demonstrates ARM Trajectory

Return Lunar
Gravity Assist
CM/SM
Separation
El-20 min

Inbound: ~9 days
10

11

Entry &
Landing

12

DRO
Arrival
Burn

Trajectory
Correction
Maneuvers
Orion

LAUNCH

1
2

Distant
Retrograde
Orbit
70,000 KM
(Not strictly
circular)

Perigee Raise
Maneuver
ICPS
100x975 nmi

3
Trans Lunar
Injection
ICPS

4
Outbound: ~10 days
8
Outbound Lunar
Gravity Assist

DRO
Departure
Burn

2021: EM-2 SLS/Orion Crewed Flight

Mission Objectives/Operations:
First flight of SLS Exploration Upper Stage
(EUS)
Demonstrate Orion crewed operations in
Beyond Earth Orbit (BEO) environment
Deep space rendezvous and docking
Primary Utilization Activities:
Check-out and test of Orion Systems in
beyond LEO environment
Test and validate life support and crewed
operations in deep space
Demonstrate Critical Mission Events in
Block 1B vehicle
Separation Events Service Module (SM)
fairings, EUS/SM
Maneuvers EUS Trans Lunar Injection
Demonstrate integrated vehicle systems t
Environmental Control and Life Support
System, Flight Crew Equipment,
Habitability
Validate Block 1B environments
Aerodynamic, Aerothermal, Acoustics,
(shock and vibration), Structural Loads,
Thermal, Radiation

Orion

Not Shown: SLS Block 1B with Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)

SLS Block 1B Vehicle

Core Stage with 4 RS-25 engines
Two 5 segment boosters
Exploration Upper Stage
EUS Cargo area
Orion Vehicle
Block 0 Orion (cis-lunar configuration)
2-4 Crew
Hybrid Mission Profile (High Earth Orbit/CisLunar Flyby)
31

3. Delta-V targeted auxiliary thruster separation

burn provides additional separation between the
SLS and Orion

Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) - Payload Capacity

8m Fairing
w/Advanced
Technology
Large Aperture
Space Telescope
(ATLAST)

30 tall x 27.6 dia

1. Abort limit detected and

abort initiated. SLS main
engine shutdown

Orion
w/extra
Service
Module

4. SM jettison

5m Fairing
w/European Space
Agency (ESA)
Service Module
& Exploration
Augmentation
Module (EAM)

17.8

Standard
MSA2 Cone

60 tall x 27.6 dia

EUS

EUS Enhances Multi-Capability Missions

32

EUS DRM for Co-Manifested Payloads

5a

USA Panels deployed

and Orion performs
transposition maneuver

Orion docks with

co-manifested payload

EUS performs injection

burn sending Orion and
co-manifested
payload to destination

2
Orion separates
and Spacecraft
Adapter jettisoned

5b
Secondary
payloads
deployed

Completion
of EUS
ascent burn

33

Objectives of Asteroid Redirect Mission

Conduct a human exploration mission to an asteroid in
the mid-2020s, providing systems and operational
experience required for human exploration of Mars.
Demonstrate an advanced solar electric propulsion
system, enabling future deep-space human and
robotic exploration with applicability to the nations
public and private sector space needs.
Enhance detection, tracking and characterization of
Near Earth Asteroids, enabling an overall strategy to
defend our home planet.

Demonstrate basic planetary defense techniques that

will inform impact threat mitigation strategies to defend
our home planet.
Pursue a target of opportunity that benefits scientific
and partnership interests, expanding our knowledge of
small celestial bodies and enabling the mining of
asteroid resources for commercial and exploration
needs.

Asteroid Redirect Mission: Three Main Segments

IDENTIFY
Ground and space
based assets detect and
characterize potential
target asteroids

NEOWISE

Pan-STARRS

Goldstone

Arecibo

Infrared Telescope Facility

REDIRECT
Solar electric propulsion
(SEP) based system
redirects asteroid to cislunar space (two capture
options)

EXPLORE
Crews launches aboard SLS
rocket, travels to redirected
asteroid in Orion spacecraft
to rendezvous with redirected
asteroid, studies and returns
samples to Earth

35

35

Robotic Mission Spacecraft Reference Configuration

Key Features
Capture Mechanism
Flight heritage instrumentation
Two mass capture options

Orion docking I/F

Mission Module
Flight heritage avionics
Simple Interface with SEPM

Solar Electric Propulsion

Module (SEPM)
Compatible with Space
Technology Mission
Directorate (STMD) solar
array technology at 50 kW
Electric propulsion derived
from STMD thruster/power
processing technology
Xenon tanks seamless
composite overwrapped
pressure vessel with at least
10 t capacity

Crew access path

Launch Vehicle Interface

Compatible with 5m fairings
Unique adapter depending on
launch vehicle selected

36

Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission Options

A
Solar electric propulsion (SEP) based system
redirects asteroid to cis-lunar space (two capture options)

37

37

Asteroid Redirect Crewed Mission Overview

Orion Travels To and Docks with Robotic Spacecraft
Deliver Crew on
SLS and Orion

Perform extra-vehicular activity to retrieve asteroid samples

Return crew safely to Earth

with asteroid samples in Orion

38 38

Trajectory, Rendezvous, and Proximity Operations

Common Rendezvous/prox-ops sensors
leveraging Space Shuttle Detailed Tests
Rendezvous /proximity operations
maneuvers result largely in rectilinear
motion
Trajectory, launch window, rendezvous,
and navigation techniques enable Mars
EARTH

Outbound Flight Time

9 days

Return Time
11 days

Lunar Gravity Assists

STORRM Camera Image

Moon

STORRM LIDAR Images

Docking System
Docking System for Orion and Robotic
Spacecraft leverages development of
International Docking System Block 1
All Mars/Deep Space Architectures will require
some form of autonomous docking

Robotic Spacecraft
Passive Docking
Mechanism
Orion Active
Docking
Mechanism

International Docking Adapter will create a docking port on ISS

to provide power and data utility connections to visiting vehicles
Beginning FY14 study with ISS Program to evaluate Block I to
Block II:

Voltage and avionics

Deep space environment
Mass reduction opportunities
Overall system design efficiency

EVA Suit and Primary Life Support System (PLSS)

Exploration PLSS- capable with
small modifications of ISS EMU,
Exploration Suit, or M-CES with
architecture that is Mars capable
PLSS 2.0 prototype completed in FY13
Variable Oxygen Regulator flammability
testing completed at White Sands Test
Facility
FY14 work includes integrated metabolic
and functional testing and fabrication of a
PLSS/MACES integration kit

Variable Oxygen Regulator

Testing at WSTF

MACES with PLSS

and EVA Suit Kit

41

NBL Test Results Worksite Stabilization

Adjustable Portable Foot
Restraint operations
were tested and
execution is very similar
to the ISS Extravehicular
Mobility Unit.

Body Restraint
Tether allowed the
crew to perform
two handed tasks

Crew was able to

perform several
sampling tasks
including worksite
imaging, float sample
collection, hammer
chiseling and
pneumatic chiseling.

Modified ACES Testing Summary

Winter 2012

June 28th Test #3 (2hr)

July 22nd Test #5 (2hr)

Sept. 25th Test #8 (4hr)

MACES EVAs are

demonstrated as feasible
and neutrally buoyant
testing is warranted

Improvements in suit fit

procedures needed

Great capability improvements

observed in subsequent runs
indicating that training on the
suit is vital.

Best demonstration of suit

capability, attributed to good suit
fit that allowed the subject easier
access to standard work envelope.

May

May 5th Test #1 (2hr)

Established baseline
weigh out and ECS
interface (both to be
improved)

Hardware and
Procedure
Improvements

June

July

June 7th Test #2 (2hr)

July 12th Test #4 (2hr)

Sept. 6th Test #6 (3hr)

Sept. 16th Test #7 (4hr)

Established need for

robust EVA gloves (ISS
EMU PhaseVI)

Two-handed task difficulties

established need for suit
shoulder biasing and better
worksite stabilization

Suit fit specific to EVA

operations continues to
be a significant
performance factor

Suit system demonstrated

feasibility of 4 hour EVAs.

Added tool
harness
Improved weights

Phase IV Gloves

August

Cooling System
modifications
Drink bag
included

September

Improved
Poolside
Procedure

New liquid
cooling garment

Each wing sized for nominally 20kW BOL

GRC 300M with magnetic shielding

JPL H6 with magnetic shielding

STMD Solar Array Technology Work in FY 2014

Cut away of NASA 300V PPU

EARTH INDEPENDENT

45

Asteroid Redirect Mission Provides Capabilities For Deep

Space/Mars Missions
High Efficiency
Large Solar Arrays

Solar
Electric
Propulsion
(SEP)

In-space Power and Propulsion :

High Efficiency Solar Arrays and SEP
advance state of art toward capability
required for Mars
Robotic ARM mission 40kW vehicle
components prepare for Mars cargo
delivery architectures
Power enhancements feed forward to
Deep Space Habitats and Transit Vehicles

Exploration
EVA
Capabilities

Deep Space
Rendezvous
Sensors & Docking
Capabilities

EVA:
Build capability for future exploration
through Primary Life Support System Design
which accommodates Mars
Test sample collection and containment
techniques including planetary protection
Follow-on missions in DRO can provide more
capable exploration suit and tools

Crew Transportation and Operations:

Rendezvous Sensors and Docking Systems provide a
multi-mission capability needed for Deep Space and Mars
Asteroid Initiative in cis-lunar space is a proving ground
for Deep Space operations, trajectory, and navigation.
46
46

ISS and ARM Provides First Steps to Mars

Mission
Sequence

Large/Long Gap

47

Notional Phobos Mission

Phobos

Mars Orbit

Deimos
Phobos
Habitat

Mars Orbit
Insertion

~16 Months in Mars System

(40 t class payloads)

Solar Electric Propulsion

(1 0 0 -2 0 0 kW )

Lunar Gravity
Assist

7-9 Months to Mars

3 Years to Mars

4 Years to Mars

Earth Return Stage

and Phobos Transfer Stage

Cargo via Solar

Electric Propulsion

Orion: Mars ops and Earth Entry

Transit Habitat
Mars Insertion Stage

EUS for
Earth
Departure

High-Earth
Assembly Orbit

Pre-Deploy Cargo

Trans-Earth
Injection

Crew via Chemical

Propulsion
Crew Mission

Mars habitat and return stage

will confirmed to be in place
before crew departure.

7-9 Months to Earth

High Mars Orbit

Direct Earth
Entry

48

Mars Split Mission Concept

Returning from Mars, the crew will return to Earth in Orion and the Mars Transit
Habitat will return to the staging point in cis-lunar space for refurbishment for future
missions

49

Orion is built for going Beyond Earth Orbit

OXYGEN
BEO
190 L

ADVANCED CARBON
DIOXIDE REMOVAL
SYSTEM

CARBON DIOXIDE
FILTER
BEO
42

LEO
36 L

LEO
8
DRINKING
WATER
BEO
210 Liters

FOOD

BEO
18,965 lb
LEO
2.8 FT3

LEO
7,800 lb

PROPELLANT

BEO
14.8 FT3

LEO
40 Liters

BEO
BEO 11.2 KM / SEC
LEO 7.8 KM / SEC

RADIATION
ISS

DOS
E

REENTRY SPEED

SHIELDING