Modular Space Vehicle Architecture for Human Exploration of Mars Using Artificial Gravity and Mini-Magnetosphere Crew Radiation Shield

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual Mars Exploration Vehicle (MEV) architecture, which includes two unmanned Mars Lander Transfer Vehicles (MLTVs) and a Mars Crew Transfer Vehicle (MCTV) with a crew of four. The MLTVs and MCTV are assembled in low Earth orbit (LEO) from modules launched by four Space Launch System (SLS) and five Delta IV Heavy rockets. The MLTVs and MCTV individually escape from LEO, transit to Mars, brake into Mars orbit using propulsion and aerobraking, and rendezvous and dock in low Mars orbit (LMO). Each MLTV includes an Earth Departure stage (EDS), Mars Transfer Stage (MTS), Lander Service Module (LSM), and two landers: A Mars Personnel Lander (MPL) provides two-way crew transportation between LMO and the surface. Three unmanned Mars Cargo Landers (MCLs) provide one-way cargo transportation and the functionalities of habitats (MCL-H) (2) and rover (MCL-R). The landers rendezvous and assemble on the surface to form a base. The MCTV includes two EDS, two MTS, and the following: (1) The Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) transports the crew from Earth to LEO, provides propulsion, and returns the crew to Earth after nominal mission completion or in aborts. (2) Three Deep Space Vehicles (DSVs) provide life support consumables, passive biological radiation shielding, crew habitation space, and propulsion. The DSV design was derived from the MCL-H. (3) An Artificial Gravity Module (AGM) allows the MCTV to rotate and generate artificial gravity for the crew and provides photo-voltaic power generation and deep space communications. A miniature magnetosphere (Mini-Mag), a potential key enabler for human interplanetary exploration, is electromagnetically generated on the AGM and provides active crew biological radiation shielding. The MEV architecture is based on many existing or near-term technologies. It incorporates significant modularity and could provide an economical approach to achieve progressively more ambitious stepping stone missions along a flexible path for human solar system exploration: starting with test flights in Earth and lunar orbit and progressing through missions to nearEarth asteroids and the moons of Mars, and culminating in the Mars landing mission.

A Conceptual Mars Exploration Vehicle Architecture with Chemical Propulsion, Near-Term Technology, and High Modularity to Enable Near-Term Human Missions to Mars

“…MTS-C needed a 0.6m longer LH 2 tank barrel section and a 0.08m shorter LO 2 tank barrel section to achieve a proper O:F mixture ratio for MOI. 1,2,3 Reference 4 substituted a TMI Booster Assembly (TBA) using three EDS docked together: Two EDS had six engines each. The center (or core) EDS had no engines, and cross-fed its propellants to the other two EDS.…”

“…It consists of an LH 2 Refueling System (LRS), designed by B. Kutter, which utilizes a large LH 2 storage tank derived from the EDS, and an MEV Service Module (MSM) designed by the author. 1,2,3 The MSM provides propulsion, power, communications, and GN&C for the BRV. It utilizes storable MMH and N 2 O 4 propellants for its RCS.…”

“…HE conceptual Mars Exploration Vehicle (MEV) architecture was first presented in January, 2012 1 . Subsequent design iterations were presented later in 2012 2,3 and in 2014.…”

“…The design iteration in this paper presents major architectural enhancements to (1) reduce the number and complexity of architectural elements to enhance reliability and improve standardization, (2) simplify Low Earth Orbit (LEO) assembly and Trans-Mars Injection (TMI) mission phases, and (3) presents additional design details for the Mars Cargo Lander, Rover Variant (MCL-R). Earlier architectures 1,2,3,5 incorporated an active crew biological radiation shield (the Mini-Magnetosphere 6 , or "Mini-Mag"), a potential key enabler for human interplanetary exploration. It has the potential to protect the crew from hazardous interplanetary radiation in a more mass-efficient way than using passive shielding materials alone.…”

An exploration of the effectiveness of artificial mini-magnetospheres as a potential solar storm shelter for long term human space missions

“…The purpose was to present a candidate vehicle concept to accomplish a potential manned near-Earth object asteroid exploration mission. The power (including cyroplant), physical dimensions and magnetic field intensities and density augmentation capabilities used here will be those presented in [21,48].…”