An Open Exploration Architecture Using an L-1 Space Propellant Depot

Abstract

The Vision for Space Exploration mandates the advance of scientific, security, and economic interests through a robust, sustainable human and robotic space exploration program. This paper presents an alternative approach to the current Constellation baseline that more fully realizes the goals and objectives of the Vision via a more balanced financial, participatory, and investment approach. This approach, colloquially coined an “Open Architecture,” leverages to a greater extent existing assets and allows for innovation and new technology to be infused rather than put in the development critical path. It will allow far greater commercial involvement that will add stability and investment into the commercial and “new” space sector and it will leverage a far greater financial participation from international partners in a way that does not put them in the critical path for maintaining an exploration program. It provides for more capability by creating an infrastructure for space transportation that is flexible, with multi-mission capability and multi-source suppliers. Many of the concepts outlined in this paper are based on previous work and it is only within the context and application of those ideas that a new strategic framework for exploration can be realized.