Project Ares: A Systems Engineering and Operations Architecture for the Exploration of Mars

Abstract

The authors, a group of 18 veteran space operations officers, explored the concept of placing a permanently manned station on Mars - Project Ares. Using a five phase plan involving an early moon base and three scientific missions to Mars followed by cargo missions and eventually manned trips to the planet, the authors analyzed, designed, and documented their approach. The report focuses on the second phase of the project - scientific expansion of our knowledge of Mars and proof of a reliable transportation system. Among the subjects discussed in the report are management, mission profile and environment, and mission systems. The latter subject contains a variety of systems proposed by various authorities in the space industry and selected to fulfill the unique requirements of the project. Because this phase is an integral part of the project, emphasis was on reusability and versatility.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 20, 1992
Accession Number
ADA258082

Entities

People

  • Benjamin C. Huff
  • David J. Blaufuss
  • George R. Kather
  • Jeff M. Berger
  • Jeffrey S. Gruner
  • John M. Amrine
  • Michael T. Dunn
  • Richard W. Boltz

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aphelions
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Energy Transfer
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Payload
  • Perihelions
  • Satellite Buses
  • Solar Cells
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Systems Engineering
  • Telemetry Equipment
  • Transfer Orbits

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Software Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space