NASA has released an official report, namely a “White Paper,” describing a detailed plan regarding upgrades for future human missions from the Moon to Mars. As stated on the U.S. space agency’s official website, “NASA’s ‘Moon to Mars Architecture’ defines the elements needed for long-term human-led scientific discovery in deep space.” The statement reads: “We’re designing a roadmap for long-term exploration of the lunar surface, our first steps on the Red Planet, and the journey beyond, working with our partners in industry, academia, and the international community.”
In more detail, in the documents, the experts take stock of the organization’s situation regarding the need and how to move goods and resources, useful both for the astronauts’ survival and for the scientific investigations they will need to conduct once they land on lunar soil. In particular, the documents show that landers will be used for logistics and a specially designed habitat for the first astronauts.
“The lander will deliver logistical items, science and technology cargo, communication systems and more to the lunar surface,” NASA explains. “The habitat will house astronauts on the lunar surface to extend crew size, range and duration of exploration missions and enable manned and unmanned science opportunities,” the agency adds.
As for Mars missions, however, future crews will be supported by nuclear fission-based facilities for energy production. The plan also examines the challenges of landing on the Red Planet and considerations for manned entry, descent and landing capabilities, and how many astronauts it will need to consist of.
NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free explained, “We are taking a methodical approach that will allow us to make the necessary decisions, understand the resources and technology exchanges, and make sure we listen to the views of all stakeholders,” namely U.S. industry, academia, international partners, and the NASA workforce.”
