The objective of this paper is to discuss the in-space operations required to process the lunar and Mars mission vehicles envisioned for the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). Recent studies, which have examined the degree to which on-orbit operations change as a function of the Earth-to-orbit (ETO) launch vehicle size, identified a common set of on-orbit vehicle processing tasks, and generated functional requirements for in-space processing nodes are summarized in this paper. Timelines for on-orbit processing of two different lunar transfer vehicles (LTV's) were developed to compare a 'current practice,' labor-intensive EVA approach to ones utilizing telerobotics and advanced automation. LTV aerobrake concepts ranging from simple deployment to considerable assembly are compared. Similar timelines for the on-orbit processing of a nuclear Mars transfer vehicle (MTV) are also presented. Aerobrakes can be processed in a timely manner and should not be ruled out for SEI missions. The 'tall pole' time interval for on-orbit vehicle initial processing is the delivery of elements to orbit, not the processing tasks.


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    Title :

    In-space operations for lunar and Mars space transfer vehicles


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1993-02-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    In-space operations for lunar and Mars space transfer vehicles

    RAPER, SR., JAMES / VARGO, RICK | AIAA | 1992


    In-space operations for lunar and Mars space transfer vehicles

    Raper, James L., Sr. / Vargo, Rick C. | NTRS | 1992



    In-Space Operations for Lunar and Mars Transfer Vehicles

    United States; National Aeronautics and Space Administration / United States; Air Force / University of Houston-Clear Lake | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1992