A Space Logistics System Based on Efficient In-space Transportation

Abstract

A sustainable space logistics system for robotic and human exploration of the Moon, asteroids, Mars, and other deep space destinations has been identified. Following the key tenets of launch and in-space commonality, efficient in-space transportation, and phased capability development drives the overall cost of missions to the Moon, NEOs, Phobos, and the surface of Mars to fall within achievable budgets while ensuring that risks to the crew and mission are minimized. Using high power solar electric freighters to preposition all nontime critical cargo and using conventional LOX/H2 high thrust systems for crew transportation enables the use of smaller SLS class launch vehicles with great commonality across missions, distributing fixed launch costs across a broad customer base and dramatically reducing exploration costs. Both 300kW and 600kW SEP freighters are used for pre-placement of habitats, exploration equipment, and return vehicles at the destinations, allowing complete systems verification prior to crew Earth departure, significantly reducing the risks from the crewed portion of the mission. Missions are phased to spread development, production, and mission operations costs and enable incremental expansion of demonstrated exploration capabilities and modular infusion of new technologies, culminating in a human mission to the surface of Mars in 2033.