The Single Habitat Module Concept - A Streamlined Way to Explore

Abstract

Many concepts have been proposed for exploring space. In early 2010 presidential direction called for reconsidering the approach to address changes in exploration destinations, use of new technologies and development of new capabilities to support exploration of space. Considering the proposed new technologies and capabilities that NASA was directed to pursue, the Single Habitathabitat module (SHMSHM) concept for a more streamlined approach to the infrastructure and conduct of exploration missions was developed. The SHM concept combines many of the new promising technologies with a central concept of mission architectures that uses a single habitat module for all phases of an exploration mission. Integrating mission elements near Earth and fully fueling them prior to departure of the vicinity of Earth provides the capability of using the single habitat both in transit to an exploration destination and while exploring the destination. The concept employs the capability to return the habitat and interplanetary propulsion system to Earth vicinity so that those elements can be reused on subsequent exploration missions. This paper describes the SHM concept, and the advantages it provides to accomplish exploration objectives. Nomenclature

The Single Habitat Module Concept for Exploration - Mission Planning and Mass Estimates

“…3 Progress in understanding the mission that would employ advanced technologies to implement the SHM concept was described at the AIAA Space 2012 conference. 4 Progress on the SHM concept was presented to the JSC knowledge capture forum on October 17, 2012.…”