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<\/a><\/figure>As NASA develops a blueprint for space exploration throughout the solar system for the benefit of humanity, the agency released several new documents Friday updating its Moon to Mars<\/a> architecture. The roadmap sets NASA on course for long-term lunar exploration under the Artemis campaign in preparation for future crewed missions to Mars. \u00a0<\/p>\n Following an Architecture Concept Review<\/a>, the 2024 updates include a revision of NASA\u2019s Architecture Definition Document<\/a> which details technical approaches and processes of the agency\u2019s exploration plans, an executive overview, and 12 new white papers<\/a> on key Moon to Mars topics. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNASA\u2019s Architecture Concept Review process is critical to getting us on a path to mount a human mission to Mars,\u201d said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. \u201cWe\u2019re taking a methodical approach to mapping out the decisions we need to make, understanding resource and technological trades, and ensuring we are listening to feedback from stakeholders.\u201d\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n One newly released white paper highlights NASA\u2019s decision to use fission power as the primary source of power on the Martian surface to sustain crews \u2014 the first of seven key decisions necessary for human Mars exploration. Fission power is a form of nuclear power unaffected by day and night cycles or potential dust storms on Mars.\u00a0<\/p>\n New additions this year also include a broader, prioritized list of key architecture decisions that need to be made early in NASA\u2019s plans to send humans to the Red Planet. Two new elements are now part of the agency\u2019s Moon to Mars architecture \u2014 a lunar surface cargo lander and an initial lunar surface habitat. The lunar surface cargo lander will deliver logistics items, science and technology payloads, communications systems, and more. The initial surface habitat will house astronauts on the lunar surface to extend the crew size, range, and duration of exploration missions and enable crewed and uncrewed science opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n The newest revision of the Architecture Definition Document adds more information about NASA\u2019s decision road mapping process \u2014 how the agency decides which decisions must be made early in the planning process based on impacts to subsequent decisions \u2014 and a list of architecture-driven opportunities that help technology development organizations prioritize research into new technologies that will enable the Moon to Mars architecture.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIdentifying and analyzing high-level architecture decisions are the first steps to realizing a crewed Mars exploration campaign,\u201d said Catherine Koerner, associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. \u201cEach yearly assessment cycle as part of our architecture process is moving us closer to ensuring we have a well thought out plan to accomplish our exploration objectives.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Moon to Mars architecture approach incorporates feedback from U.S. industry, academia, international partners, and the NASA workforce. The agency typically releases a series of technical documents at the end of its annual analysis cycle, including an update of the Architecture Definition Document and white papers that elaborate on frequently raised topics.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Under NASA\u2019s\u202fArtemis<\/a>\u202fcampaign, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon, land the next Americans and first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n For NASA\u2019s Moon to Mars architecture documents, visit:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/moontomarsarchitecture<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n -end-<\/p>\n Rachel Kraft \/ Kathryn Hambleton
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ kathryn.a.hambleton@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n