NASA has updated a package of documents on plans for the exploration of the Moon and Mars. These two celestial bodies are closely linked in the solar system exploration program. The base for the launch to Mars will be created on the Moon, and only after that will it be possible to talk about the road to Mars. At the same time, the agency calls for a reconsideration of the attitude towards planetary space programs, arguing that it is necessary to move away from government funding and attract private investors.
Image source: NASA
The three fundamental points for the exploration of the Moon and Mars remain the same, changing only in details – the creation of compact nuclear reactors to provide energy to the planetary infrastructure, the production of a heavy cargo landing lunar module and the deployment of a permanent human presence base on the Moon. NASA adjusts the “architecture” of the Moon-Mars program every year, taking into account the capabilities of industry and suppliers. The latest package of documents can be found at the link.
Of greater interest is a document in which NASA makes the case for the need to “shift the paradigm” of ideas about the Mars exploration program: “We need to challenge traditional thinking and look for new and creative solutions to explore Mars.” The document, entitled “Expanding the Frontiers of Mars Science: A Plan for a Sustained Science Program on Mars – Mars Exploration Program 2024-2044,” was prepared by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (MEP).
Scientists caution that planning future Mars missions requires answering two key questions first. And if fifty years ago the problem boiled down to the well-worn phrase “Is there life on Mars?”, today it is important to understand how the potential habitat on Mars has changed throughout the history of the planet and whether life ever arose on Mars, and if so, then does it exist today?
NASA also admits that the organization is no longer one of the few committed to focused exploration of Mars. Initiatives from other countries are developing, and the seeds of commercial services for the development of the Red Planet are sprouting. This is also a paradigm shift.
«To remain at the forefront of Mars exploration, MEP must commit to a new, different model: the ability to send more missions to Mars in an affordable and achievable way, and to do so by developing diverse talent and engaging the public in the possibilities of Mars exploration,” the report notes.
The document estimates the “low-cost mission” at approximately $100 million to $300 million, excluding launch and mission costs. The cost of a “mid-range strategic mission” is estimated at approximately $1–2 billion, also excluding the launch vehicle and mission operations costs.
Regarding the use of commercial services, the report states that collaborative exploration of Mars “through new models of partnerships with the international, commercial and academic communities is essential.” Public-private partnerships will find themselves in the implementation of NASA commercial services for the transportation of cargo and people into orbit (COTS) and commercial services for the delivery of payloads to the Moon (CLPS).
Returning to Mars, NASA emphasizes that the search for life on this planet remains an important endeavor.
«Any potential oasis for current life or the preservation of ancient life is likely to be located in areas that have historically been more difficult to access, the paper says. “Some of the most interesting terrain on Mars, for example, is in the southern hemisphere, where the average surface altitude prevents robotic spacecraft from landing in traditional ways.”
However, the report suggests that there are other places that provide conditions potentially favorable for life, such as the subsurface (including caves, underground ice deposits and volcanic environments), “where suitable chemical and environmental conditions may have allowed life to take hold.” At the same time, NASA is aware that humanity today has a small window of opportunity to search for life on Mars on the spot. And even this will not become available until after successes on the Moon in the late 2030s.
Eric Ianson, director of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, states in the report that there is a need to “challenge conventional thinking and seek new and creative solutions to explore Mars.” This could include “identifying less expensive scientific exploration, strengthening our infrastructure around Mars, finding successful new technologies, and creating an environment in society that increases participation in Mars exploration.”