An integrated mission approach to the space exploration initiative will ensure success
- Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, M/S K5-21, Richland, Washington 99352 (US)
The direction of the American space program, as defined by President Bush and the National Commission on Space, is to expand human presence into the solar system. Landing an American on Mars by the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing is the goal. This challenge has produced a level of excitement among young Americans not seen for nearly three decades. The exploration and settlement of the space frontier will occupy the creative thoughts and energies of generations of Americans well into the next century. The return of Americans to the moon and beyond must be viewed as a national effort with strong public support if it is to become a reality. Key to making this an actuality is the mission approach selected. Developing a permanent presence in space requires a continual stepping outward from Earch in a logical progressive manner. If we seriously plan to go and to stay, then not only must we plan what we are to do and how we are to do it, we must address the logistic support infrastructure that will allow us to stay there once we arrive. A fully integrated approach to mission planning is needed if the Space exploration Initiative (SEI) is to be successful. Only in this way can a permanent human presence in space be sustained. An integrated infrastructure approach would reduce the number of new systems and technologies requiring development. The resultant horizontal commonality of systems and hardware would reduce the direct economic impact of SEI while an early return on investment through technology spin-offs would be an economic benefit by greatly enhancing our international technical competitiveness. If the exploration, development, and colonization of space is to be affordable and acceptable, careful consideration must be given to such things as return on investment'' and commercial product potential'' of the technologies developed.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 5373831
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-910116-; CODEN: APCPC; TRN: 91-024709
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States), Vol. 217:2; Conference: 8. symposium on space nuclear power systems, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 6-10 Jan 1991; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Test Facilities Subpanel. Final report
America at the threshold. [Contains bibliography]
Related Subjects
SPACE FLIGHT
MISSION ANALYSIS
MARS SPACE PROBES
POWER SYSTEMS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
SPACE VEHICLES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
REACTORS
VEHICLES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
220800* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Propulsion Reactors