Access from Space: A New Perspective on NASA's Space Transportation Needs and Opportunities

Abstract

This paper provides a brief review of the current state of the art for missions requiring access from space through planetary atmospheres. Some of the major technical challenges for the principle access from space segments of hypersonic entry, supersonic and subsonic descent, and landing for robotic and eventual crewed missions are identified along with some important cross cutting capabilities. Technology development opportunities and activities that may meet these challenges are discussed. New access from space opportunities provided by advanced avionics and information technologies, inflatable/deployable systems, higher L/D vehicles, and nano and pico-entry vehicles are then briefly described. A new concept called “Scout Probes for Exploration”, which could significantly reduce risk for access from space missions by combining a number of these advancements, is then introduced and discussed.