Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

MPPG 

Mars Program Planning Group

Summary of the Final 

Report 

25 September 2012 

1 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

• The MPPG effort was initiated by NASA in March 2012, motivated by: 

– The need to re-plan a U.S. Mars program in light of the President’s FY2013 Budget 

Submittal 

– The NRC 2011 Planetary Science Decadal Survey recommendations for Mars 

exploration in the context of the budget submittal, and subsequent new discoveries 

– The POTUS challenge for humans in Mars orbit in the 2030s 

• The purpose of the MPPG was to develop foundations for a programlevel architecture for robotic exploration of Mars that is consistent with 

the President’s challenge of sending humans to Mars in the decade of 

the 2030s, yet remain responsive to the primary scientific goals of the 

2011 NRC Decadal Survey for Planetary Science. 

• Consistent with its charter, MPPG reached out to internal and external 

science, technology and engineering communities, to develop mission 

options and program architecture alternatives for NASA’s consideration 

2"

Introduction and Context 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

MPPG Core Team & Approach 

• Orlando Figueroa (Chair) 

• Jim Garvin (SMD/GSFC) 

• Michele Gates (HEOMD/HQ) 

• Randy Lillard (STP/HQ) 

• Dan McCleese (JPL) 

• Jack Mustard (Brown Univ.) 

• Firouz Naderi (JPL) 

• Lisa Pratt (Indiana Univ.) 

• John Shannon (HEOMD/HQ) 

• George Tahu (Exec Officer, HQ) 

Ex-Officio 

• Ramon DePaula (SMD/Intl Liaison) 

• Mike Wargo (HEOMD/Science) 

NASA"Technical"Exper2se"

Technical"&"

Programma2c"

Assessment"(STP)"

Technical"&"

Programma2c"

Assessment"(HEO)"

Technical"&"

Programma2c"

Assessment"

(SMD)""

SMD,"HEO,"

STP,"OCT,"OCS"

Leadership"

NASA"

Advisory"

Groups""

(PSS,"NAC)"

Key"

Community"

Experts"

NRC"&"Community"

Working"Groups"

(MEPAG"Exec,"CAPS)"

MPPG"

3"
Objectives and Constraints 

• MPPG"was"chartered"to"provide"op2ons"that"integrate"science,"human"

explora2on"and"technology"at"an"Agency"level"with"Mars"Explora2on"as"a"

common"objec2ve"

• Cri2cal"Boundary"Condi2ons"

– NASA"FY13"Budget"submiTal"through"FY2017

– Impera2ve"for"strategic"collabora2on"between"HEOMD,"Science,"Technology"

– Remain"responsive"to"the"primary"scien2fic"goals"of"the"NRC"Decadal"Survey"

• The"immediate"focus"of"the"MPPG"was"on"the"collec2on"of"mul2ple"mission"

concept"op2ons"for"the"2018/2020"Mars"launch"opportuni2es."""

• To"maintain"the"successful"strategic"structure"of"the"MEP,"and"ensure"

relevancy"of"the"possible"2018/2020"missions"to"the"longer"term"science"and"

explora2on"priori2es,"MPPG"was"asked"to"provide"no2onal"architecture/

pathways"spanning"to"the"2030s"

4"
• MPPG"approach"to"planning"retained"the"key"features"of"the"highly"successful"

and"resilient"Mars"2000"Plan."

- A"science"theme"and"overarching"program"strategy,"reflected"in"the"sequence"of"

interconnected"strategic"missions,"with"competed"opportuni2es"

“Scouts”"(Phoenix"and"MAVEN)"for"other"Mars"science;"InSight"(a"Discovery"

mission"for"2016)"will"contribute"to"the"science"legacy"

• An"extraordinary"decade"of"scien2fic"discovery,"created"by"the"Mars"

Explora2on"strategy"which"was"scripted"in"the"summer"of"2000,"ends"with"

the"promise"of"the"Mars"Science"Laboratory""

5"

The Mars 2000 Plan and MPPG 

Mars"2000"Plan"
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Human 

Space 

Flight 

HUMAN

EXPLORATION

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGY

HUMAN

EXPLORATION

(HEOMD)

SCIENCE

(SMD)

TECHNOLOGY

(OCT / Space 

Technology 

Program)

T O D A Y F U T U R E 

Mars Exploration as a Common Goal for NASA

NASA sets the 

stage today 

for this to 

happen. It is a 

starting point 

for the future 

of Mars 

Exploration 

6"
MPPG - The Bottom Line 

• MPPG"explored"many"op2ons"and"alterna2ves"for"crea2ng"a"

meaningful"collabora2on"between"science"and"human"

explora2on"of"Mars,"while"leveraging"and"focusing"technology"

investments"towards"a"common"goal."

• The"MPPG"finds"that"sample"return"architectures"provide"a"

promising"intersec2on"of"objec2ves"and"integrated"strategy"for"

long"term"SMD/HEOMD/STP"collabora2on"

• Mul2ple"program"architectures"can"be"assembled"by"varying"

the"scope,"sequence,"and"risk"posture"assumed"for"the"building"

blocks"provided"and"analyzed"by"MPPG;"NASA"can"choose"from"

these"to"build"a"program"strategy"consistent"with"its"long"term"

objec2ves"

7"
1. Science"Pathways"

2. Workshop"at"LPI""

a. Results"in"the"context"of"MPPG"

3. Collabora2on"between"Human"Explora2on"and"Science"

4. Crossgcuhng"and"Enabling"Technologies"

5. Possible"Program"Architectures"–"Pathway"Implementa2ons"

a. Science"Pathways"A1,"A2"and"B"

b. Orbital"and"Landed"Plajorms"

c. Cost"Picture"and"the"Early"Opportuni2es"

6. Other"Programma2c"Considera2ons"

a. Interna2onal"Collabora2on"

b. R&A,"Instrument"Technology"Investments,"E&PO"

7. MPPG"Summary"

8"

Topics Covered 
SCIENCE PATHWAYS 

9"
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

What are Scientific PATHWAYS? 

• The Mars exploration strategy of the last decade proved to be 

extraordinarily productive scientifically 

– 2000 re-planning provided critical trajectory for science and 

implementation 

• Discovery-driven Scientific Pathways: 

– First employed in the 2000 Mars Program re-planning effort, pathways include 

strategic plans for science and missions, program analysis, and active 

community participation 

– MPPG employed pathways as a vehicle to analyze options as: 

• Foundation for a more strategic collaboration between SMD/HEOMD/

OCT/OCS towards a common Agency-level goal 

• Catalysts for new scientific discoveries, ideas, and advances in 

technology 

– Pathways helped establish early priorities, common understanding, and 

intersections 

10 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

• Mars exploration in SMD has had (and should have) two types of missions: 

- Strategic missions: A mission within a chain of strategically laid-out, coupled 

missions that follow a scientific line of inquiry 

- Stand-alone missions: A single isolated mission accomplishing a significant 

science objective, but independent from the main scientific strategy 

• These missions used to be part of the Mars Program and competed as Scouts 

(Phoenix and MAVEN) 

• Now no longer in the Mars Program, they compete with other planetary science as a 

part of Discovery Program (InSight) 

 

11"

MAVEN InSight

Sequence of Strategic Missions 

MER ...MRO ...MSL ... Future Strategic Mars Missions 

Phoenix 

Stand-alone Missions: 

Previously within Mars Program (Scouts) 

Now compete with other science in Discovery Program 

Strategic vs. Stand-alone Missions 
MPPG Science Traceability – Candidate Pathways 

Science 

Questions 

Science 

Pathways 

Functional 

Requirements 

(Examples) 

Architecture NRC/MEPAG 

Priorities 

NRC Decadal 

Survey, 

MEPAG Goals 

(includes HEO 

needs via SKG’s) 

Search for Signs 

of Past Life 

Context & 

in situ analysis, 

sample preservation, 

sample return 

Commence sample 

return using existing 

data 

Highest priority 

science and 

approach 

In situ exploration prior 

to returning optimal suite 

of samples 

Highest priority 

science 

In situ analysis for 

bio-signatures and 

organics 

Measurements can be 

included in sample return 

architectures, or via 

stand-alone surface 

astrobiology observatory 

High priority 

science, lower 

priority 

approach, 

higher science 

risk 

Modern 

Environments as 

Habitats 

In situ and orbital 

measurements. 

Vehicles depend on 

findings (orbiter, rover, 

deep drill) 

Depends on new 

discoveries, and 

challenges (e.g., 

planetary protection) 

Consistent with 

NRC Decadal 

recommendation 

for competition 

as Discovery or 

future New 

Frontier 

missions

Dynamics/ 

Interior 

Surface Networks; Active 

Geophysical Experiments 

Multiple static landers 

with long term 

monitoring 

Mars Systems 

Science 

Orbital & Surface 

measurements 

Missions respond to 

discoveries 

12"
Seek Signs of Past Life – Highest Priority Science 

Commence'Sample'Return'using'

exis4ng'data'

▪ Search"for"signs"of"past"life"with"samples"

collected"from"a"siteggiden2fied"using"

exis2ng"dataggand"returned"to"Earth"for"

analysis""

▪ This"is"most"directly"responsive"to"the"

NRC"Decadal"Survey"recommenda2ons"

▪ Collect"scien2ficallygselected"samples"

from"a"site"which"has"been"determined"to"

have"astrobiological"significance"

▪ Timing"of"returned"samples"paced"solely"

by"available"funds,"not"further"scien2fic"

discoveries"

Mul47site'Inves4ga4on''to'

Op4mize'Search'for'Past'Life'''

▪ Search"for"signs"of"past"life"through"in"

situ"observa2ons"and"ul2mately"analysis"

of"carefully"selected"samples"returned"to"

Earth"

▪ Sample"Return"commences"only"aler"in"

situ"measurements"and"sampling"of"

mul2ple"sites"(3)"and"Science"

Community"decision"process"as"to"which"

to"return"to"Earth"

▪ The"emphasis"of"this"pathway"is"

searching"for"samples"capable"of"

preserving"evidence"of"past"life"

Pathway'B'

13"

Pathways'A1'and'A2'
Objec4ve:' Search"for"signs"of"past"life"with"samples"collected"from"a"site"g"determined"to"

have"astrobiological"significance"using"exis2ng"dataggand"returned"to"Earth"for"analysis""

• Highest"priority"large"mission"recommended"by"the"NRC"Decadal"Survey""

• Rela2ve"to"NRC"Decadal"suggested"plan,"MPPG"mission"concepts"have"reduced"cost"

• Site"for"MSR"is"chosen"on"the"basis"of"current"and"con2nuing"Mars"orbiter"remote"

sensing"observa2ons"

• Pathway"A"further"breaks"down"into"the"following"two"candidate"implementa2on"

op2ons:"

- Pathway"A1:"Objec2ves"of"MSR"distributed"across"mul2ple"focused"spacecral,"mul2ple"

launches"(3g4"missions)"

- Pathway"A2:"Combine"func2ons"into"a"smaller"set"(1g2)"of"larger"mul2func2on"spacecral,""

and"opportunity"for"lower"total"cost"

14"

Pathway A: Commence Sample Return
Pathway"B"reflects"challenges"experienced"when"searching"for"signs"of"past"life"

on"Earth:"

• Preserva2on"of"biological"signatures"is"rare"on"Earth,"and"inves2ga2ons"at"

mul2ple"sites"on"Mars"drama2cally"improves"the"probability"of"iden2fying"

biologicallygrelevant"samples"

- Sites"visited"chosen"on"the"basis"of"orbiter"remote"sensing"observa2ons"

- Samples"would"be"returned"from"site"where"ingsitu"measurements"show"that"

rock"units"formed"under"condi2ons"most"favorable"for"habitability"and""biog

signature"preserva2on"

15"

Objec4ve:' Search"for"signs"of"past"life"through"ingsitu observa2ons"and"selec2on"of"

samples""at"mul2ple"sites"(3)."Using"ingsitu informa2on,"Science"Community"selects"op2mal"

sample"suite"to"be"returned"to"Earth."

Pathway B: Investigate Multiple Sites Before 

Commencing Sample Return 
“Modern Environments as Habitats” as a Pathway? 

Objec4ve:"Inves2gate"alterna2ve"pathways"not"aligned"with"NRC"Decadal"Survey"

recommenda2ons,"including"“modern"environments"as"habitats”"(Extant"Life"Systems)"

• New"discoveries"since"the"NRC"Decadal"Survey"may"suggest"liquid"water"on"or"near"

the"surface"(if"confirmed,"program"could"seek"extant"life"systems)""

• Community"experts""strongly"advocated"that"this"line"of"scien2fic"inquiry"(applies"to"

others)"not"aligned"with"“Seeking"Signs"of"Past"Life”"theme"(Pathways"A"and"B),"be"

openly"competed"payloads"on"MEP"strategic"missions,"or"stand"alone"in"Discovery,"

and"judged"on"the"basis"of"their"intrinsic"scien2fic"merit"as"compared"to"others

• Specific"to"“Modern"Environments"as"Habitats”:

– Measurements""are"only"preliminary"and"immature,"and"pursuit"and"understanding"of"

modern"habitats"or"extant"life"poses"scien2fic"risks"(with"post"Viking"consequences)"

– Premature"given"progress"and"evidence"that"con2nue"to"validate"the"pursuit"of"the"ancient"

life"theme"for"the"past""~16"years""

– If"signs"of"past"life"are"discovered"there"would"be"a"greater"impera2ve"to"search"for"extant"

life"systems"

– Orbital"reconnaissance"and"pursuit"of"understanding"of"new"sehngs"(brine"flows,"

permafrost,"exposed"surface"ice,"trace"gas"vents)"is"underway"and"requires"more"2me"to"be"

complete"(MRO,"MAVEN,"ESA/RSA"TGO)"

16"
Objec4ve:""Faced"with"the"complex"history"and"physical"diversity"of"Mars,"advance"Mars"

System"Science"in"order"to"fill"cri2cal"knowledge"gaps"prior"to"an"undertaking"as"challenging"

as"human"explora2on"while"responding"to"new"discoveries"about"“ac2ve"environments"on"

Mars”"(relevant"to"future"Sample"Return"science"possibili2es"or"others)"

• This"pathway"seeks"to"improve"our"fundamental"understanding"of"Mars’"surface"and"

interior"in"order"to"beTer"inform"the"search"for"evidence"of"life"before"undertaking"

Sample"Return"and/or"human"explora2on"(surface)"

• This"pathway"could"be"the"path"of"choice"if"MSL"revealed"significant"misinterpreta2ons"

of"orbital"observa2ons"of"the"Gale"Crater"region"and"history"

• There"are"mul2ple"alterna2ve"foci"within"this"pathway,"including"aTen2on"to"the"

thermal"evolu2on"of"the"Mar2an"crust"and"deeper"interior"and"volcanism"

• On"the"basis"of"discussions"with"Community"Experts"and"analysis"by"MPPG"members,"

this"pathway"was"REJECTED because:"

- Elements!of!this!pathway!are!well2suited!for!open!compe66on!within!AO2based!opportuni6es!

such!as!payload!selec6on,!Discovery!or!New!Fron6ers!

17"

Mars System Science as a Pathway? 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

WORKSHOP AT THE 

LUNAR & PLANETARY INSTITUTE 

18 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Mars Concepts & Approaches Workshop

Hosted by Lunar & Planetary Institute (LPI), June 12-14, 2012

19 

• Workshop forum organized by Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) for the 

community to discuss ideas and approaches for Mars exploration 

• Included both near-term (2018-2024) and longer-term (2024-2030’s) timeframes 

• Included both science approaches (missions, payloads, strategies) and 

engineering & technology approaches (mobility, sample collection and return, 

aerial platforms) 

• LPI summary report submitted to NASA: June 18

Participation Statistics 

Abstracts Submitted: 390 

Abstracts Selected for Presentation: 170 

Abstracts Selected for Print Only: 146 

Participating Countries 10 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

LPI Workshop – The Results in Context of MPPG

Major Science Themes Discussed:

• Ensuring"the"scien2fic"success"of"MSR"

• Search"for"past"and"present"life"(payloads,"strategies)"

• Explora2on"of"unique"environments"to"understand"planetary"

evolu2on"and"habitability"

• Mar2an"interior"through"seismic"studies"

• Climate"evolu2on"and"atmospheric"processes/escape"

• Phobos"and"Deimos"–"origin"and"composi2on"

20 

Workshop summarized near‐term science, mission and technology concepts for 

robotic Mars missions that support the Mars community consensus science goals, 

especially as delineated in the 2013‐2022 Planetary Science Decadal Survey. 

(see Mackwell et al., 2012, http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/marsconcepts2012/) 
21"

LPI Workshop – The Results in Context of MPPG 

Microsats

MinigMAV"

SEP"Orbiter"&""

Return"to"Beyond"

Earth"Orbit"

Crew"Based"

Sample""

Return"to"Earth"

Expanded"the"trade"space"for"

alterna2ve"concepts"to"access"the"

surface,"sampling/analysis"

instrumenta2on,"and"surface"

system"capabili2es"

Selected"ideas"served"as"a"catalyst"

for"MPPG"to"charter"subgteams"to"

explore"lower"cost"approaches"to"

sample"return"

Examples"of""

Extreme"Terrain"

Vehicles"

MinigRovers"

hIp://www.lpi.usra.edu/mee4ngs/marsconcepts2012/
• Ideas"for"Smallsats/Cubesats"to"

complement"and"augment"orbital"

&"surface"measurements""

– Including"opportuni2es"for"student"

experiments"

• PgPOD"dispensers"on"Mars"

orbiters"and/or"cube"

accommoda2on"slots"on"landers"

may"be"feasible"within"the"core"

mission"op2ons"explored"by"

MPPG"

22"

Example"Applica2ons:"

• Phobos"Sampling"

• ChipSat"Regentry"Sensors"

• Radio"Occulta2on"

• Weather"Network"

• Climate"Lander"

• Atmospheric"Sounding"

• Human"Health"Risks""

LPI Workshop – The Results in Context of MPPG
COLLABORATION BETWEEN 

HUMAN EXPLORATION, SCIENCE, 

AND TECHNOLOGY

23"
Human Exploration at Mars 

• HEOMD"is"demonstra2ng"capabili2es"and"reducing"risk"for"human"

Mars"explora2on"

– Near!Term!(201222022):!Core!Capability!Development,!Mid2Phase!Risk!

Reduc6on!

– Mid2Term!(202222033):!Core!Capability!Opera6ons!and!Upgrade!and!Late!

Phase!Risk!Reduc6on!

– Long!Term!(2033+):!!Humans!at!Mars!

• Primary"risks"to"mi2gate"for"ingspace"segment,"including"on"ISS"

– Life!support!

– SpacecraR!reliability,!supportability!and!maintainability!

– Human!performance!for!long!dura6ons!in!deep!space!

– Transporta6on!system!performance!

• Understanding"the"risks"to"the"crew"of"landing"on,"opera2ng"on,"

and"then"ascending"from"Mars,"require"addi2onal"measurements,"

technology,"and"systems"development"

24"
Capabilities Needed for Humans at Mars in 2030’s 

25"

g Large"Propulsive"Stage"

g Deep"Space"Habitat"(365"days)"

g 300kW+"SEP"Stage"

g Orion+"Upgrades"

g Orion"MPCV"

g SLS"Ini2al"Capabili2es:"70"–"105"t"

g Interim"Cryogenic"Stage"

g 21st"Century"Ground"Ops"

g SLS"Upgrade"(130t)"

g Deep"Space"Habitat"(900"days)"

g Advanced"Propulsion"(e.g.,"NEP,"NTP)"

Capability!architecture!to!

Mars!System!under!study!

g Lander"

g Ascent""Vehicle"

g ISRU"

g Surface"Habitat"

g Surface"Suit"

g Rover"

2012g2024" 2024g2033" 2033+"

Building!up!system!capabili6es,!gaining!deep!space!opera6onal!experience!

and!reducing!risk!as!we!move!further!out!into!the!solar!system!

Robotic demonstration of human 

mission relevant sub-scale 

surface access technologies can 

support EDL, ascent and ISRU 

 Mars Orbit 

 Mars Surface 

Epoch!of!first!use:!
Opportunity: Demonstration of 

human mission relevant sub-scale 

surface access technologies 

Opportunity: Humans to 

Mars strategic knowledge 

gap filling activities 

Opportunity: Mars sample return 

during early operations 

beyond Earth orbit 

26"

Robo2c"Demo:"

EDL"

ISRU"

Ascent"

Launch" Mission"

Crew"to"Mars"Surface"

Technology"Development"

Deep"Space"and/or"Planetary"Surface"Tes2ng"

Cargo"to"Mars"

EMg1"Heavy"

Lil/Orion"

"Interna2onal"Space"Sta2on"

Orion""Test"

(EFTg1)"

EMg2"Crew"

Beyond"LEO"

"ISS"Extension?"

MSL"

Humans"to"Mars"Strategic""""Knowledge"Gap"Filling"Ac2vi2es."

System"Def." DDT&E" Launch" Mission"

Crew"to"Mars"Orbit"

Transporta2on"

Technology"Demo."

2012g2022" 2022g2033" 2033+"

Human Exploration / Science / Technology Intersections

Opportunity: Demonstration of 

human mission relevant deepspace technologies 

Op2cal"

Comm."

For"MPPG"Planning"Purposes"–"PregDecisional""
Defining Types of Collaboration 

• Clean7Interface'Collabora4on'(payloads,*demo’s,*SKG*fillers)*

– HEOMD"experiments"as"piggyback"on"SMD"missions,"such"as"ODYSSEY,"MRO,"

PHOENIX,"MSL"

– No"cri2cal"dependencies"

– All"architectures/science"pathways"can"support"these""

• Interdependent'Collabora4on

– Joint"ac2vi2es"associated"with"greater"capabili2es,"such"as"high"data"rate"

communica2on,"highergmass"EDL,"surface"power,"ascent"technologies,"

advanced"sample"handling"and"isola2on,"resource"u2liza2on"

– Dependencies"that"require"coopera2ve"management,"shared"resources,"and"

agreement"on"approach"to"achieve"the"missions"

– Program"linkages"at"each"step,"culmina2ng"in"capabili2es"required"for"human"

access"to"Mars"

– SOME"EXAMPLES:"

• Orbiters"that"image,"discover"resources,"measure"atmospheric"state"

• Landers"that"provide"groundgtruth"and"iden2fy"samples"(context)"

• Landers"that"demonstrate"safety,"EDL"(e.g."MSL),"resource"u2liza2on"experiments

27 
Opportunities for Collaboration between 

Human Exploration and Science 

• In"the"process"of"preparing"for"the"human"explora2on"of"

Mars,"several"opportuni2es"exist"for"collabora2on"between"

human"explora2on"and"science"

– Sciencegfocused"missions"provide"opportuni2es"for"measurements"of"

the"Mar2an"system"to"fill"Strategic"Knowledge"Gaps"(SKG’s)"

– HEO"developed"launch"capabili2es"may"provide"opportuni2es"for"

science"missions"to"reduce"launch"costs"

– Human"capabili2es"and"assets"Beyond"Earth"Orbit"can"play"a"role"in"

retrieval"and"return"of"samples"from"the"surface"of"Mars"

– Future"robo2c"technology"precursor"missions"provide"addi2onal"

opportuni2es"for"access"to"the"Mar2an"system"for"scien2fic"objec2ves"

28 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Science/Human Exploration/Technology 

29 

Science/Precursor Measurement Payloads on 

Orbiting/Landed Assets 

!Environmental Measurements 

• Radiation 

• Atmospheric properties 

• Climate 

!Resources (Orbiters or Landed Tech Demos) 

!Dust & Regolith Properties/Safety 

!Site identification/selection/certification 

Technology on Orbiting/Landed Assets 

!High Data Rate/Bandwidth Communications 

!Precision Navigation 

!Enhanced Surface Mobility 

!Targeted Observation/Instrumentation 

!Sample Acquisition, Handling and Caching 

!Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking 

!Advanced SEP Propulsion 

!Mars Ascent Vehicle 

!ISRU demo 

!Robotic Aerocapture

!Robotic Scale EDL 

Human Subscale Technology Demos with Opportunities 

for Science/Precursor Measurements 

• 10% Subscale of human mission EDL 

• Hypersonic Inflatables (HEO/HIAD) 

• Mid-L/D Rigid Aeroshells

• Supersonic Retro-propulsion 

• ISRU (Oxygen) Production 

• ISRU-Enabled Mars Ascent Vehicle 

• Aerocapture

• Advanced TPS including High-speed Earth Return 

• Requires long term 

investment in technology 

• Tips the scale to different 

architecture and scale of 

missions beyond typical 

robotic missions 

! Addressed in architecture and mission options presented by MPPG 

CONSTRUCTION ZONE: FORWARD WORK 
HEO Measurement Options on Robotic Missions

Robo4c'Orbiter(s)'

• Orbital"atmospheric"informa2on"

related"to"MOI/EDL."

• Radia2on—simultaneous"orbital"and"

surface"measurements"valuable."

• High"resolu2on"imaging"and"mineral"

mapping"of"the"surface"support:""

• Forward"PP"assessments"

• Landing"site"iden2fica2on,"

selec2on"and"cer2fica2on"

• Resource"iden2fica2on"

Robo4c'Lander/Rover(s)'

The"following"measurements"could"be"made"from"

landed"assets:"

• EDL"profiles"of"atmospheric"state"

• Dust"proper2es,"regolith"composi2on,"

regolith"structure"

• Atmospheric"electrical"characteris2cs"

• Atmospheric"and"climate"measurements"to"

obtain"2me"dependent"density"profiles"

(simultaneous"with"orbital"measurements)."""

• Radia2on"measurements""(simultaneous"with"

orbital"measurements).""

MEPAG'Precursor'Science'Analysis'Group'report* emphasizes'measurements'of'

Mars’'atmospheric'condi4ons'and'the'surface'radia4on'environment'to'reduce'risk'

and'also'provide'significant'science'value.'

30" *(hTp://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/reports/psag_files/PgSAG_final_report_06g30g12_main_v26.pdf)"
2024+"singlegshot"MSR"on"SLS"

Launch"cadence"and"availability"may"provide"a"singlegshot"

Mars"Sample"Return"(MSR)"opportunity;"backup"would"be"

Delta"IV"Heavy"or"Falcon"9H"

Opportunity: Science Payloads on SLS 

31 

Integrated"Stack"

inside"

5"meter"faring""

Data"Relay"&"

Return"Orbiter"

Possible"

Mars""

SEP"Orbiter""

Secondary""

Payload"
• SEP"enabled"robo2c"vehicle"delivers"samples"to"Beyond"Earth"Orbit"(BEO)"

for"a"crew"based"retrieval"

– Beyond"Earth"Capability"planned"aler"2021"

• Sample"canister"could"be"captured,"inspected,"encased"and"retrieved"teleg

robo2cally"

– Robot"brings"sample"back"and"rendezvous"with"a"crewed"vehicle"

– Cleaned"sample"canister"would"be"then"enclosed"in"a"stowage"case,"and"

stowed"in"Orion"for"Earth"return."

• This"approach"deals"with"key"planetary"protec2on"concerns""

– Crew"inspec2on,"cleaning,"and"encapsula2on"of"sample"enclosures"prior"to"

Earth"return"

– Removes"the"need"to"robo2cally"“break"the"chain”"of"contact"with"samples"at"

Mars,"thus"reducing"complexity"and"cost"of"robo2c"missions."

• Crew"entry"system"eliminates"need"for"robo2c"Earth"entry"system"

• Provides"an"early"opportunity"for"collabora2on"and"demonstra2on"of"

capability"also"applicable"in"Mars"orbit" 32"

Opportunity: Mars Sample Recovery & Return 

During Early Crewed Operations Beyond Earth Orbit 
Intersections & Opportunities: Science, HEO, 

Technology Mission Options 

Near7Term''

Orbiters'&'Landers'

Early'BEO'

Crewed'

Opera4ons'

Technology'

Development'and'

Demonstra4on:''

In7Space'Segment'

Measurements/SKGs

Technology'Development'

and'Demonstra4on:''

Surface'Access'and'Ascent'

Segment'

Orbiter"Tech"

Demo"Op2ons:"

Op2cal"Comm."

Atomic"Clock"

High"Efficiency"SEP"

Rendezvous"

techniques,"

SEP"proof"of"

concept"

<50kW"

Orbiter"Op2ons:"

Science,"

Radia2on,"

Atmospherics"

ISRUg""

based""

MSR"MAV*""

Lander"

Op2ons:"

MEDLIg2"

Dust,"

Climate,""

Radia2on"

Mid'term'

Lander'1'

MSR""

Rendezvous"

with""

Crew"*"

Lander:"

In"Situ"O2"

Produc2on"

Demo"

(proof"of"

concept)"

ISRUg""

based""

MSR"MAV"

demo"

MSR""

Rendezvous"

with"

Crew"

Feeds!mission!mode!decision!!

SLS'Launch'

Opportuni4es'

Poten2al"

secondary"

payload"

Dedicated:"

High"value"

MSR*

*"Would"be"moved"up"if"budget"allows"

Mid'term'

Lander'x'

Poten2al"

secondary"

payload"

33 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

TECHNOLOGY 

34 
Examples: 

• Closed loop high rel. life support 

• NEP, NTP Propulsion 

• Low boil-off Cryo propulsion 

Technology Taxonomy and 

Development / Demonstration Approach 

35"

Examples: 

• STP LDSD/SIAD, HIAD 

• Storable MAV development 

• Surface Fission Power 

ISS/LEO,"Beyond"Earth"Orbit"(BEO)"

Ground"or"Subgorbital"

Examples: 

• Optical Comm

• Atomic Clock 

• ISRU proof-of-concept 

Examples: 

• MSL Guided Entry 

• First Mars SIAD/HIAD use 

• First MAV at Mars 

Examples: 

• Sub-scale Human EDL 

 (e.g. HIAD) 

• Sub-scale ISRU MAV 

Technology"Demo"Mission"

Technology"System/Subsystem"(ingline)"

Technology"Payload"on"Science"Mission"

Marsgbased"

Increasing"Fidelity,"Cost"

• Mars!technology!needs!span!across!science!and!HEO!missions!

- Some!are!unique,!but!many!are!common!or!can!be!demonstrated!on!a!common!mission!

• Mars!technology!demonstra6ons!may!be!conducted!at!Earth!or!Mars!

- Demonstra6on!environment!and!mission!applica6on!can!be!scaled!to!meet!specific!

demonstra6on!objec6ves!
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

SMD/STP Technology Efforts with HEOMD Benefit 

Optical 

Communications† 

High bandwidth, high data rate communication from 

Mars. Enable order or magnitude or more increase in 

data rate, and video/voice streaming 

Infusion Target: Early 

Opportunity Orbiter 

Deep Space Atomic 

Clock† 

Precision Navigation for orbital assets, Entry, Descent 

and Precision landing. Reduces scheduling burden of 

ground network, enabling significant cost efficiencies 

Infusion Target: Early 

Opportunity Orbiter 

Solar Electric 

Propulsion†* 

Large solar arrays, higher power, high thrust Hall 

thrusters. Enables flexibility in implementation of the 

architectures 

Infusion Target: Early 

Opportunity Orbiter 

Sample Acquisition, 

Handling and 

Caching* 

Enable access and sampling at the surface, analysis. 

Securing for transfer to another vehicle, and return 

Infusion Target: Early 

Opportunity Lander 

Autonomous 

Rendezvous and 

Docking† 

Sensors and software to autonomously detect, 

rendezvous and capture the orbiting sample canister in 

orbit. 

Infusion Target: 

MSR Orbiter 

Mars Ascent Vehicle Mars Ascent Vehicle to deliver surface samples into 

low Mars orbit (including ascent flight dynamics). 

Conventional non-cryogenic liquid or solid propellants 

Infusion Target: 

MSR Lander 

Large Deployable 

Supersonic 

Decelerators† 

Next generation deceleration technologies to enable 

evolution to 1.2-1.5 t landed mass robotic missions 

from current SOTA < 1 t. Enable greater planet access 

Infusion Target: EarlyMid Term Opportunity 

Lander 

In addition to EDL and ISRU, the following crosscutting technologies are being developed 

today by STP (†) and SMD (*) to support future robotic and human exploration:

36 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Key Technologies for Entry, Descent & Landing 

Approach Phase 

Near-Term 

Robotic 

 (1-2t) 

Sub-scale EDL 

Precursor 

(~5 t +) 

Human 

Full-Scale 

(20-40t) 

Approach 

Navigation 

Precision Star Tracker, Late Update, Optical Nav, 

Precision IMU 

Entry Phase 

Atmospheric 

Guidance 

Lift Modulation, Drag Modulation 

Hypersonic 

Decelerators 

Deployables: HIAD, ADEPT 

Rigid: Slender body Aeroshell

Descent Phase 

Supersonic 

Decelerators 

Smart Descent/Deploy Logic 

30m Supersonic Parachute 

SIAD 

Supersonic Retropropulsion High-thrust liquid 

Landing Phase 

Surface sensing 

and navigation 

Terrain Relative Navigation, ALHAT, Hazard 

Detection and Avoidance 

Subsonic 

Propulsion 

Storable (Monoprop/biprop), Cryo (biprop) 

Energy Absorption Airbags, Crushables

High-g Systems Rough Lander 

37 

Investment Priorities Fully Applicable Potentially Applicable

O 

R 

O 

R 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Key Technologies for ISRU and Mars Ascent 

ISRU Near-Term 

Robotic 

Sub-scale 

Precursor 

Human 

Full-Scale 

Processing Atmospheric Processing for Liquid Oxygen 

Fuel processing of Surface Available Hydrogen 

(Ice/Hydrated Mineral Processing) 

Other materials – Construction, Radiation 

Protection 

Propulsion LOX/Methane 

Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) 

Near-Term 

Robotic 

Storable 

 (.2-.3 t) 

Sub-scale 

Precursor 

ISRU MAV 

(TBD) 

Human Fullscale 

ISRU MAV 

(20+ t) 

Propellant Type Solid vs. Liquid Liquid Liquid

Propellant 

Production 

Ox only vs. Ox + Fuel 

Thermal Control Isolation from Mars Environment 

Payload Loading OS Loading, Break-the-Chain 

38 

• Demonstration of ISRU generation of propellants (O2 and CH4), followed by an ISRU-enabled MAV 

provides significant risk reduction for humans to the surface of Mars 

• Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) is unique in needs for long-term propellant management (storage and/or 

production) in a challenging thermal environment 

Investment Priorities Fully Applicable Potentially Applicable
POSSIBLE PROGRAM ARCHITECTURES: 

IMPLEMENTATIONS OF HIGHEST PRIORITY 

SCIENCE PATHWAYS

39"
Key Functions in Sample Return 

Orbiter"

for"Relay,"

Orbital"Science"

Measurements"

Sample"Acquisi2on"

from"mobile"plajorm"

(Rover)"–"for"scien2fic"

sample"diversity"

Launch"from""

Surface"of"Mars"

Return"from"Mars"

To"Earth"

Controlled"receipt"of""

Sample"upon"arrival"

At"Earth"

• Five"func2onal"elements"are"required"to"return"samples"from"Mars""

• These"func2ons"can"be"accomplished"in"mul2ple"ways"and"by"one"or"

more"missions"

40 
Sample Return Launch Options 

41"

• Mars"Sample"Return"(MSR)"can"be"implemented"by"breaking"the"mission"into"different"“Launch”"and"“Landing”"

Packages"

• MPPG"looked"at"accomplishing"MSR"in"1,"2"or"3"launches"with"various"cost,"cost"profile"and"risk"implica2ons"

Three'launches'

• This"is"the"architecture"proposed"to"the"Decadal"Survey"

– 1g"Sampling"Rover,"2g"MAV"+"Fetch,"3g"Sample"Return"Orbiter"

Two'Launches

• Sampling"Rover"paired"with"a"second"launch"(MAV/Fetch"+"Small"SEP"Return"Orbiter)"to"accomplish"a"“Two"

Launch"MSR”""

One'Launch'

• Sampling"rover"carrying"a"MAV,"cogmanifested"with"a"small"SEP"orbiter"to"bring"the"sample"back"to"Earth/Moon"

system"

+' +'

+'

+'

+'
Pathway A1: Multi-mission MSR 

• Architecture"for"Pathway"A1"is"mul2gmission:""

- New"sampling"rover"concepts"have"reduced"costs"by"~50%"from"prior"MAXgC/ExoMars

missions"evaluated"as"part"of"the"NRC"Decadal"Survey"(independently"costed)"

• Architecture"Features:"

- Degcouples sample"acquisi2on"and"MAV"missions"""

- Allows"large"2me"alloca2on"for"sample"acquisi2on"without"concern"for"MAV"survival"on"

Mars"surface""

- Spreads"technical"challenges"across"mul2ple"missions"

- Provides"landed"mass"margins"within"family"with"exis2ng"MSL"CEDL"capability"

- Spreads"budget"needs"and"reduces"peak"year"program"budget"demand"

- Missions"have"opportuni2es"for"addi2onal"orbital/in"situ"science"

- Sample"return"orbiter"can"be"integrated"into"single"launch"(e.g."SLS,"Falcon"heavy)"with"

MAV"lander"or"combined/cogmanifest"with"other"missions" 42"

+' +' Op5onal*

SEP*Return*Orbiter*

Sta5c*MAV*&*fetch*rover* Sampling*rover*
Pathway A2: Integrated Sampling/MAV MSR

• Architecture"for"Pathway"A2"pursues"a"costgdriven"MSR"approach"with"fewer"

discrete"spacecralgvehicles/launches:"

– Consolida2on"of"func2ons"are"made"to"significantly"reduce"the"lifegcycle"costs"""

– Extensive"op2on"space"explored,"and"7"representa2ve"op2ons"were"detailed"

• Architecture"features:"""

– Landed"mission"integrates"sample"acquisi2on"via"rover"and"either"fixed"plajorm"MAV"or"

mobile"MAV"into"one"lander"(compared"to"Pathway"A1)"and"saves"the"cost"of"a"lander"

and"a"launch"vehicle"

– Sample"return"orbiter"can"be"integrated"into"single"launch"(e.g.,"SLS,"Falcon"heavy)"with"

lander"or"combined/cogmanifest"with"other"missions"

– Mobile"MAV"eliminates"surface"mission"coordina2on"complexi2es"

– Lowest"overall"costs"due"to"elimina2on"of"at"least"one"complete"mission,"but"higher"peak"

year"budget"demand"" 43"

OR'

+'

Op5on*

Sta5c*MAV*&*fetch*rover*

Mobile*MAV*

SEP*Return*Orbiter*
Pathway B: Multi-Site Investigation Before MSR 

• Architecture"for"Pathway"B"employs"mul2ple"rovers"delivered"to"independent"sites"

that"are"inves2gated"to"provide"detailed"understanding"of"their"habitability"and"biog

signature"poten2al"and"the"op2mal"sample"suite"is"returned"to"Earth""

• Architecture"features:"

– Provides"poten2al"to"blend"in"situ"science"and"sample"collec2on"at"a"pace"to"

accommodate"available"budget"

– Once"the"selec2on"of"the"returned"sample"is"made,"this"Pathway"u2lizes"the"same"return"

architecture"as"Pathway"A"

– Produc2on"line"build"of"the"rovers"and"cadence"of"launches"offers"the"

opportunity"to"significantly"reduce"the"cost"(in"comparison"to"mul2ple"

independent"missions)"

44"

Op5on*

+' +'

In*situ*analysis*&*sample*rovers* Sta5c*MAV*&*fetch*rover*

Return*orbiter*
Common Aspect of All Pathways 

• Maintained"heritage"from"MSL/MER"C/EDL"and"rovers"

• Take"advantage"of"guided"entry"for"MSL"class"landing"accuracy"

• All"MAV"landers"u2lize"asgflown"MSL"Sky"Crane"capabili2es"

• Incorporated"innova2ve"ideas"from"past"studies"and"concepts"presented"at"LPI"

• Reduced"mass"of"MAV/OS"(guided"or"unguided)"can"be"launched"to"either"

deep"space"or"Mars"orbit,"providing"flexibility"for"return"orbiter"2ming/

availability"

• Using"SEPgbased"orbiters"for"sample"rendezvous"and"return""

- Return"of"sample"canisters"to"crew"in"BEO"(EarthgMoon"neighborhood)"to"be"

captured"by"astronauts"and"returned"to"Earth"[elimina2ng"Earth"entry"vehicle]"

- Poten2al"cogmanifest"with"other"vehicles"

• Have"op2ons"to"use"lower"cost"LVs"

45 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

SURFACE AND ORBITAL 

MISSION CONCEPTS 

46 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Sampling Rover Concepts Studied 

Four'rover'op4ons'studied'

Rover'A:"MER"“clone”"allowing"for"sampling"and"replacing"

obsolete"avionics."Might"not"fit"in"the"MER"volume"envelope""

Rover A

Rover B

Rover C

47 

Mobile MAV

Rover'B:"Similar"to"Rover"A"allowing"for"some"volume"growth""

Rover'C':"based"on"MSL"delivery"and"chassis,"with"inventory"

reuse"and"some"degscopes"(e.g."solar"vs."RTG)"

Rover'D:'derived"from"Rover"C""with"MAV"integrated"into"vehicle"

and"carried"to"sampling"sites"

• Costs"reduced"from"Decadal"Survey"concept"by"maximizing"heritage"and"reducing"scope"and"complexity:"

- Developed"payload"concept"compa2ble"with"either"a"MSL"or"MER"rover"class"

- All"rovers"designed"for"la2tudes"g15"to"+25"

- Strong"heritage"from"MSL"and"MER,"especially"C/EDL"

- All"rovers"delivered"with"MSLgclass"accuracy"using"guided"entry"(upgrade"to"MERgbased"concepts)"

- Landing"al2tude"capability"of"up"to"g0.5"km"w.r.t."MOLA"reference"
Rover Concepts Comparison (1) 

Rover"B"

• Scaled"MERgbased"system"w/"guided"entry"addi2on"

• Build"on"successful"MER"architectural"heritage.

Advantages"

• Robust"to"inheritance"assump2ons"(new"systems)"

• Feed"forward"applicability"to"small/mid"surface"missions"

• Low"recurring"costs"

• Low"launch"vehicle"costs"(Falcon"9"v1.1)"

Challenges"

• Requires"new"airbag"&"touchdown"system"development"

Costs"Es2mates"

• Internal $1.2B"

• Aerospace"ICE $1.1B"

• Aerospace"CATE $1.1B"

• LV"(F9) $0.16B"(‘18)"/"$0.19B"(‘20)"

• Phase'A7D ~$1.3'7'1.4B'

Rover"A"

• MERgbased"system"w/"guided"entry"addi2on"

• Build"on"successful"MER"design"heritage."

Advantages

• Heritage"MER"mechanical"structures"and"EDL"systems"

• High"EDL"heritage"

• Feed"forward"applicability"to"small"surface"missions"

• Low"recurring"costs"

• Low"launch"vehicle"costs"(Falcon"9"v1.1)

Challenges"

• Very"limited"payload/volume margin"

Costs"Es2mates"

• Internal " "$1.1B"

• Aerospace"ICE $1.0B"

• Aerospace"CATE $1.0B

• LV"(F9) " "$0.16B"(‘18)"/"$0.19B"(‘20)"

• Phase'A7D ~$1.1'7'1.3B' 48"
Rover Concepts Comparison (2) 

49"

Rover"C"

• Solar"MSLgbased"system"

• Build"on"successful"MSL"design"heritage.

Advantages"

• Robust"to"payload"growth"

• Substan2al"HEO/STP"payload"opportunity"

• Best"mobility"range/life/mission"return"

• Substan2al"redundancy"

• High"EDL"heritage"

• Feed"forward"applicability"to"large"MSR"/"MAV"missions"

Challenges"

• High"launch"vehicle"costs"(Atlas)

Cost"Es2mates"

• Internal $1.0B"

• Aerospace"ICE $1.1B"

• Aerospace"CATE $1.3B"

• LV"(A5) $0.32B"(‘18)"/"$0.40B"(‘20)"

• Phase'A7D ~$1.3'7'1.7B'

Rover"D"

• MSLgbased"system"with"integrated"MAV"

• Build"on"successful"MSL"heritage.

Advantages"

• Provides"capable"surface"science"plajorm"

• Supports"agency"MAV"demonstra2on"/"return"capability"

• Best"mobility"range/life/mission"return"

• Substan2al"redundancy"

• High"EDL"heritage"

• Can"be"coupled"w/"return"orbiter"for"lowest"MSR"cost"

Challenges"

• Rover"mechanical"mods;"MAV"development;"and"LV""costs

Cost"Es2mates"(STILL"UNDER"DEVELOPMENT)"

• Internal ~$1.4B"es2mate"only""

• Aerospace"ICE N/A"

• Aerospace"CATE N/A"

• LV"(A5) $0.32B"(‘18)"/"$0.40B"(‘20)"

• Phase'A7D TBD'
• Orbiters play multiple roles in architectural framework

– Relay Infrastructure

– Programmatic infrastructure to provide landing site identification/selection/

certification

– Ongoing or new measurements from orbit—e.g., hi-res imaging/mineral 

mapping, resource identification, HEO gap-filling measurements for 

Strategic Knowledge Gaps (SKGʼs)

– Sample Return from Mars to Earth

• Several orbiter concepts developed that combine one or more of 

these functions

– Relay-only infrastructure orbiter – Might use Solar Electric Propulsion 

enabling co-manifest with other mission to partially eliminate launch cost

– “Traditional” Science + Relay Orbiters (a la MRO, ODY) using 

combinations of chemical and aeroassist propulsion

– Sample return orbiters – Meets up with samples either at a) Low Mars 

Orbit (chemical or Solar Electric Propulsion) or b) deep space rendezvous 

(SEP only). Might also co-manifest with landers

– Round-trip Science + Sample Return Orbiters can launch early, perform 

science mission and return after landed missions conclude

50 

Orbiter Concepts Studied 

Relay Only

Traditional 

Science & Relay

SEP Sample 

Return

Round-trip 

Sample Return, 

Science & Relay
Single'Func4on'Orbiter'

• New"system"

• Can"be"used"for"UHF"or"

Sample"return"

• Single"String"Design"

(redundant"op2on"to"fly"2)"

Science'+'Relay'Orbiter'

• MRO/MAVEN"based"

• Science"and"tech"demo"

payloads"

SEP'Sample'Return'Orbiter'

• New"system"

• Commercial"Components"

Science'+'Sample'Return'Orbiter'

• MRO/MAVEN"Based"

• Can"support"science,"relay,""""

tech"demo,"and"sample"return"

Advantages"

• Simple"design"

• Addi2onal"units"lower"cost"

• Can"deliver"more"frequently"

• Very"low"launch"cost"as"

secondary"payloads"

Advantages"

• High"bus"heritage"

• Infrastructure/science"

instruments"have"robust"

heritage"

• High"data"volume"

• Large"payload"capacity"

Advantages"

• Cogmanifest"with"Lander"

• Augments"LV"capacity""

• Commercial"SEP"components"

Advantages"

• Science"and"Relay"while"wai2ng"

• High"bus"heritage"

• Commercial"SEP"components"

• High"mass"and"data"volume"

• Very"large"payload"capacity"

Challenges"

• Very"limited"payload"

• Limited"Life2me"

Challenges"

• Compa2ble"orbit"selec2on""""""

for"science"and"relay"

Challenges"

• No"EDL"relay"support"

(arrives"later)

Challenges"

• Breakgoff"orbital"science"to"return"

samples"to"Earth"

Costs"Es2mates"

• Internal $0.2"B"

(no"payload,"launch"as"secondary)"

Costs"Es2mates"

• Internal """"""$0.5"B"

• Aerospace"ICE/CATE""$0.6"B"

• LV""(F9)"""""""""""""""""""""""$0.13"B"

Costs"Es2mates"

• Internal $0.5"B"

(Lander"carries"launch"cost)"

Costs"Es2mates"

• Internal $0.7"B"

• LV"(F9)""""""""""""""""""""""""$0.13"B"

51"

Orbiter Concepts Comparison 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

COST PICTURE AND THE EARLY 

OPPORTUNITIES

52 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Cost Analysis Process 

• Cost estimates developed for candidate missions, then used to 

populate different program queues, and ultimately assessed for 

compatibility with President’s FY13 Budget Submittal 

– Scenarios to explore what is possible with augmented funding were also 

considered 

• Depending on the maturity and anticipated timeliness of launch for 

each concept, estimates of varying depth/fidelity were developed: 

– Gold Standard: Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) + Cost and Technical Evaluation 

(CATE) performed by Aerospace Corporation – equivalent to Decadal Survey Process. 

Core estimates from study team based on AS BUILT missions (MSL, MER, MRO) 

– Silver Standard: Parametric Model, Team X Study, Cost by analogy to previously 

developed systems 

– Bronze Standard: “Guesstimate” – Expert opinion, interpolated between or 

extrapolated from other data points of Class A or Class B estimates

53 

B 

S 

G 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 ID Function FY15 $(B)* Visual Estimate 

Standard 

Orbiters

A Single Function SEP Orbiter, e.g. UHF, Earth 

Return (Secondary Launch Option)

TBD: ~0.1– 0.2 

B Comm.+ HR Camera + Mineral Mapper 0.6 – 0.7 

C Orbiter B + Optical Comm. 0.6 – 0.8 

D Orbiter C + Extended Science (e.g., 

SAR, SOFTS) 

0.7 – 0.9 

Landers

A MAV on Stationary Lander + Fetch Rover TBD: ~1.8+ 

B Rover A/B 1.1 – 1.4 

C Rover C 1.4 – 1.6 

D Rover C + MAV (Mobile MAV) TBD: ~1.8+ 

E Athlete + MAV Demo TBD 

*Costs Phase A-D, including launch (except Orbiter A) 

2018-2024 Example Missions 

G/S 

G/S 

G 

G 

G 

S 

S 

54 

S 

B 
Orbiter or Rover First ?

55"

Arguments'for'Orbiter'First'

• Orbiter"in"’18"provides"infrastructure"to"all"landed"missions"in"‘20g’26"

- Exis6ng!orbiter!network!can!likely!support!’18!landed!mission,!but!risk!increases!aRer!’20!

• Provides"new"science"for"enhanced"surface"site"iden2fica2on,"selec2on,"

cer2fica2on"to"support"all"Pathways"and"future"human"landing"sites"

• FY13"President’s"budget"does"not"support"a"rover"in"2018"(2020"earliest)"

Arguments'for'Rover'First'

• ‘18"provides"one"of"the"most"energe2cally"favorable"launch"opportuni2es"

• Lander"in"’18"or"‘20"best"for"preserva2on"of"key"competencies"such"as"Endgtog

End"EDL"and"Surface"Science"Opera2ons"and"Mobility"

• Leverages"MSL"surface"experience"to"iden2fy/select/analyze/secure"high"

science"value"samples"at"a"priority"site"for"further"study"and"poten2ally"return
Example Options for Strategic Collaboration 

Science / Human Exploration / Technology 

56 

Sta2c"MAV"+"

TBD"Fetch"Rover"

to"Gale?/ISRU"

Payload"

MSL"Based"

Rover"(C)""

+ISRU"Payload" Sta2c"MAV"+"

Fetch"Rover"

Return"Orbiter"

Return"Orbiter"

ISRU/MAV"

Subscale!Demo!

Including!EDL*

2nd"Return"

Orbiter"

MSL"Based"

Rover/MAV"(D)"

+ISRU"Payload?"

ATHLETE"+"ISRU"+"

Solid,"liquid,"hybrid"

prop"MAV"

Subscale!Demo!

Including!EDL*

MSL"Based"

Rover"(C)"

ISRU"Payload"

MER"(B)"or"MSL"

(C)"Based"Rovers"""

+ISRU"Payload?"

Rover"B"or"C" Rover"B"or"C"

Sta2c"MAV"+"

Fetch"Rover"

1st"Return"

Orbiter"

Bigger"Emphasis"on"Technology"

Return"Orbiter"

MER"(A/B)"or"

MSL"(C)"Based"

Rover"

Robo6c!return!to!BEO,!

Crew!return!to!Earth! Robo6c!return!to!BEO,!

Crew!return!to!Earth!

Early"Opportuni2es"2018g2022"

Sequence"can"be"reversed"if"2018"opportunity"is"

skipped"or"budget"augmented"

2024+"

Legend"

MM"–"Mineral"Mapper

HRI"–"High"Resolu2on"Imager"

LSAR"–"Contributed"Lgband"Synthe2c"Aperture"Radar"

*"Can"be"moved"up"in"sequence"if"budget"allows"

Sta2c"MAV"+"

Fetch"Rover"

2nd"Return"

Orbiter"

Return"Orbiter" Robo6c!return!to!BEO,!

Crew!return!to!Earth!

Example'of'Pathway'A1'

Example'of'Pathway'B'

Telecom"

Orbiter"

MM,"HRI"

Orbiter"

MM,"HRI,"Tech"

Orbiter"+"

Return"

MM,"LSAR,"Tech"

Orbiter"+"

Return"

OR"

OR"

OR"

MM,"HRI,"Tech"

Orbiter"

OR"

TBD"
Supports'MSR;'Sustains'EDL'

competencies

Supports'MSR;'Sustains'EDL'

competencies;'Improves'surface'

science;'Stretches'MSR

Supports'MSR;'Sustains'EDL'

competencies;'Addl'technology'&'

science

Ini4ates'MSR;'Sustains'EDL'

competencies;'Addl'technology

Input for Follow-on Benefits Assessment

Telecomm'infrastructure'(required'by'

2022/24).'Op4on'to'launch'on'SLS'

Mineralogy,'High'Res.'Imaging,'Other'

contributed?'

Op4cal'comm'or'Atomic'clock'

ORBITERS"(~$800M"Budget"Target)"

SURFACE"MISSIONS"(~$1500M"Budget"Target)"

Ini4ate'Sample'Return'

Telecomm"

Add"

Science"

Add"

Technology"

Add"SEP"Sample"

Ret"Vehicle"

MERgclass"rover"

Mul2ple"MERg

class"rovers"

MSLgclass"rover"

MSLgclass"rover"

with"MAV"

Legend'

Decadal"

Science"

Knowledge"

Gap"for"

HEO"

Technology"

Infusion"

HEO/SMD"

Interconnect"

Cost/Tech"

Risk"

Ind/Intl"

Collabora2on"

Other"

Considera2ons" High"

Risk"

Mod"

Risk"

Low"

Risk"

Correla2on"Against"

Figures"of"Merit"
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

OTHER PROGRAMMATIC 

CONSIDERATIONS 

58 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

International Collaboration 

• MPPG reached out to the international community, but only peripherally 

– They attended/presented at LPI, and participated in follow up conversations 

to identify specific areas of collaboration (e.g. CSA interests in SAR and 

robotic arms) 

– Long standing conversations among HEOMD international partners 

continue through the International Space Exploration Coordination Group 

(ISECG) 

• Exploration of Mars continues to be of interest to NASA’s international 

partners, and is considered a necessary component to enable human 

missions to Mars 

– Existing partners are expected to play critical roles in human exploration

– Possible scenarios leading from ISS and LEO to Mars are being discussed 

to build a common vision, and leverage current investments in preparatory 

activities 

59 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Microfluidics"

for"human"

health"risk"

assessment"

“Chipsat”"

Reentry"

Sensors"

Small/Cube/Nano-Satellites, offer increasingly sophisticated measurement 

capabilities in small, low-mass (1 – 10 kg), low-power, low-cost ($1 – 10M) packages 

that are adaptable for Mars. 

60"

A Mars Program element can provide an opportunity for SMD/HEO/STP/OCT/OCS 

collaboration in further developing the technologies, compete for opportunities for 

multiple mission designs, and down-select for implementation 

P-POD dispensers on 

Mars orbiters and/or cube 

accommodation slots on 

landers may be feasible 

within the mission options 

explored by MPPG 

Radio"

Occulta2on"

Atmospheric"

Sounder"

Weather"

Network"

Student"

Climate"

Lander"

Phobos"

Sampling"

Smallsat / Cubesat / Student Payloads at Mars
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Research & Analysis Program, 

Instrument Technologies 

Mars science Research and Analysis programs 

• Maintain healthy Science research activities to capitalize 

on data sets collected by on-going Mars missions 

• Address fundamental understanding of Mars system 

science and signs of ancient life via bio-signatures 

• Trade/maintain science pipelines 

Mars instrument technology developments 

• Create/maintain instrument system technology 

development program to address future mission needs 

• Pursue next generation/breakthrough remote sensing/in 

situ instrumentation/experiment concepts 

• Reduce risks to future instrument development for Mars 

missions 

61 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Education & Public Outreach 

• Mars activities provide world wide attention with 

potential to strongly motivate next generation talent in 

science, technology, engineering and mathematics 

• Mars E/PO program has adopted a thematic approach 

(i.e. not mission by mission but program-wide) and has 

been excellent in its focus and reach 

• Provide 1% of program funding for E/PO 

62 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

MPPG SUMMARY 

63 
MPPG Summary of Findings and Observations 

1. MPPG"op2ons"address"the"primary"objec2ves"of"the"NRC"Decadal"Survey,"with"human"explora2on"

capabili2es"playing"an"increasing"role"over"2me,"in"the"scien2fic"explora2on"of"Mars"

2. Sample"return"architectures"provide"a"promising"intersec2on"of"objec2ves"for"long"term"SMD/

HEOMD/STP"collabora2on,"par2cularly"in"EDL"and"ISRU/Mars"ascent"technologies

3. MPPG"offers"several"op2ons"to"implement"an"integrated"strategy"for"Mars"explora2on,"providing"

flexibility"and"resiliency"while"recognizing"the"programma2c"and"fiscal"challenges""

a. Provides"a"compelling"science"program,"with"sample"return"as"a"centerpiece"in"the"overarching"theme"of"Search"

for"Signs"of"Past"Life;"endorses"compe22on"for"other"Mars"science"beyond"the"central"theme"

b. Leverages"robo2c"missions"to"fill"Strategic"Knowledge"Gaps"(SKGs)"for"human"explora2on"and"strengthen"

scien2fic"collabora2on"

c. Technologies"and"capabili2es"are"iden2fied"that"are"of"mutual"benefit"and"enable"humans"at"Mars"orbit"in"the"

2030’s,"with"opportuni2es"for"increased"collabora2on"in"the"future"

d. Op2ons"represent"~50%"cost"reduc2on"compared"to"NRC"Decadal"concepts,"and"are"responsive"to"Decadal"

objec2ves;"implementa2on"op2ons"include:"1)"spreading"risk"and"cost"across"several"missions,"2)"MSR"in"a"

single"mission,"and"3)"improving"probability"of"returning"samples"that"preserve"evidence"of"past"life.""

4. A"variety"of"“building"block”"rovers"and"orbiters"are"suggested"and"costed,"to"facilitate"planning"of"the"

new"program"architecture"by"NASA"

a. The"building"blocks"provide"op2ons"to"specifically"target"the"early"mission"opportuni2es"

5. Return"of"samples"to"Beyond"Earth"Orbit"(BEO)"to"be"recovered"by"astronauts"offers"an"early"

intersec2on"of"robo2c"and"human"flight"programs,"as"capability"is"developed"for"human"surface"

explora2on"of"Mars"

64"
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Gale Crater: Mount Sharp Flank 

65 
Mars Program Re-Planning 2012 

Acronyms 

A5 = Atlas V 

ADEPT = Adaptable, Deployable Entry and Placement 

Technology 

ALHAT = Autonomous Landing and Hazard 

Avoidance Technology 

AO = Announcement of Opportunity 

BEO = Beyond Earth Orbit 

CAPS = NRC Committee on Astrobiology and 

Planetary Science 

CATE = Cost and Technical Evaluation 

C/EDL = Cruise, Entry, Descent, and Landing 

CSA = Canadian Space Agency 

DCSS = Delta Cryogenic Second Stage 

DDT&E = Design, Development, Test & Evaluation 

DSAC = Deep Space Atomic Clock 

EDL = Entry, Descent, and Landing 

EEV = Earth Entry Vehicle 

EFT-N = SLS Exploration Flight Test #N (-1, -2, etc.) 

EM-N = SLS Exploration Mission #N (-1, -2, etc.) 

E/PO = Education & Public Outreach 

FoM(s) = Figure(s) of Merit 

F9 = Falcon 9 

GFA = Gap Filling Activity 

GSFC = Goddard Space Flight Center 

HEOMD/HEO = Human Exploration and Operations 

Mission Directorate 

HIAD = Hypersonic Inflatable Aeroassist Device 

HQ = Headquarters 

HRI = High resolution imager 

HRP = Human Research Program 

ICE = Independent Cost Estimate 

IFM = In-Flight Maintenance 66 

IMEWG = International Mars Exploration 

Working Group 

InSight = Interior Exploration using Seismic 

Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport 

ISECG = International Space Exploration 

Coordination Group 

ISRU = In Situ Resource Utilization 

ISS = International Space Station 

JPL = Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

JSC = Johnson Space Center 

KSC = Kennedy Space Center 

LDSD = Low Density Supersonic Decelerator 

Project 

LEO = Low Earth Orbit 

LMK = SLS Launch Mission Kit 

LOX =Liquid Oxygen 

LPI = Lunar and Planetary Institute 

LV = Launch Vehicle 

MAVEN = Mars Atmosphere and Volatiles 

Evolution 

MAV = Mars Ascent Vehicle 

MAX-C = Mars Astrobiology Explorer/Cacher

MEDLI = Mars EDL Instrumentation 

MEP = Mars Exploration Program 

MER = Mars Exploration Rovers 

MEPAG = Mars Exploration Program Analysis 

Group 

MM = Mineral mapper 

MOI = Mars Orbit Insertion maneuver 

MPCV = Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle 

MPPG = Mars Program Planning Group 

MRO = Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 

MSA = MPCV Spacecraft Adapter 

MSL = Mars Science Lander/Curiosity 

MSR = Mars Sample Return 

NAI = NASA Astrobiology Institute 

NEP = Nuclear Electric Propulsion 

NRC = National Research Council 

NTP = Nuclear Thermal Propulsion 

ODY = 2001 Mars Odyssey 

OCS = Office of Chief Scientist 

OCT = Office of Chief Technologist 

OMB = Office of Management and Budget 

OMS = Orbital Maneuvering System 

OS = Orbiting Sample Container 

P-POD = Poly-Picosat Orbital Deployer

P-SAG = MEPAG Precursor Science Analysis 

Group 

POTUS = President of the United States 

PP = Planetary Protection 

RT = Round-trip 

RTG = Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator 

SAR = Synthetic Aperture Radar 

SDT = Science Definition Team 

SEP = Solar Electric Propulsion 

SIAD = Supersonic Inflatable Aeroassist Device 

SKG = Strategic Knowledge Gap (for human 

exploration) 

SMD = Science Mission Directorate 

SLS = Space Launch System 

STP = Space Technology Program 

SRV = Sample Return Vehicle 

TBD = To Be Determined 

TLI = Trans-lunar Injection 

UHF = Ultra-High Frequency