Preface
Acknowledgments
About the author
List of figures
List of tables
List of abbreviations and acronyms
1: Why Go?
Benefits of traveling to Mars
Science
Human expansion
International cooperation
Technological advancement
Human performance
Inspiration
Role of NASA
Inevitability of humans on Mars
References
2: Interplanetary Plans
European space agency
Aurora missions
European politics
Russia and China
United States
New vision
American politics
Global exploration strategy
3: Mission Architectures
Interplanetary trajectories
Basic orbital mechanics
Trajectory variables
Trajectory options
Braking into orbit
In summary
Das Marsprojekt
Mission architecture
Mars direct
Mars direct architecture
Medical aspects
Surface architecture
Radiation and mission risk
Pros and cons of Mars direct
Reference mission of the Marsdrive Consortium
Mission architecture
Mission hardware
Mission analysis
Project troy
Mission architecture
Mission parameters
Lift mass and launch requirements
Cost and timescale
Mission requirements
European space agency
Mission architecture
Global Aerospace Corporation
Mars transit base
Cycling orbits
Transit stations
Testing the plan
Cycler analyzed
NASA Design Reference Mission
SpaceWorks Engineering Inc (SEI)
Mission architecture
Mission parameters
Architecture flight hardware
Entry, descent, landing and Mars ascent
Architecture surface hardware
Architecture masses
Mars exploration campaign
Mission risk
DIRECT 2_0
Jupiter launch system
Integration and utilization of shuttle-derived technology
Integration and utilization of existing technology
Mission architecture
In summary
References
4: Abort Modes And The Challenges Of Entry, Descent And Landing
Abort options
Free return trajectory
Challenges of entry, descent and landing
Generic entry, descent and landing sequence
Why landing on Mars won't be easy
Resolving the EDL problem
Approach and entry to Mars' atmosphere
Skycrane option
Space elevator
In summary
References
5: Propulsion Systems
Variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket
Overview
Plasma-based propulsion technology
Rocket engine
VASIMR today
Nuclear propulsion
History
Nuclear thermal propulsion overview
Nuclear thermal propulsion technology
Nuclear thermal propulsion today
Bimodal nuclear thermal rocket
Liquid oxygen augmented nuclear thermal reactor
Technology
Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters
Overview
Magnetoplasmadynamic thruster technology
Magnetoplasmadynamic research today
Magnetized target fusion
Overview
Magnetized target fusion technology
Magnetized target fusion today
Antimatter
Overview
Antimatter concept of operations
Problems with antimatter
Antimatter spaceships
In summary
References
6: Mars Hardware
Mars mission architecture review
Exploration systems architecture study
Ares V
Design requirements
Ares V overview
Ares V core stage propulsion
Ares I
Design history
Design endorsement
Ares I design
Ares I first stage design
Ares I upper stage design
Ares I avionics
Ares I test flights
Development problems
Ares I and V propulsion
J-2 and J-2X history
J-2X concept of operations
J-2X hardware
Orion
Concept of operations
Orion module overview
Designing Orion
Orion systems and subsystems
Orion abort modes
Risk assessment
Trans-Mars injection stage
In-space propulsion stage
In-space inflatable transfer habitats (TransHabs)
Role
Construction
Systems
Life support
Mars excursion vehicle
Role
Heatshield
Descent stage
Ascent stage
Mars surface habitat
Life support system
Extravehicular activity support
Pressurized rover
In summary
References
7: Crew Selection And Training
Crew selection
Crew composition
Crew selection overview
Selection criteria unique to Mars missions
Genetic screening
Precautionary surgery
Crew training
Basic crew training
Pre-Mars mission-related training
Pre-Mars mission
Mars mission training
Analog environments as training tools
Antarctica
Haughton Mars project
Mars Desert Research Station
NASA's Extreme Environments Mission Operations project
Mars500
In summary
References
8: Biomedical And Behavioral Issues
Biomedical risks
Radiation
Overview
Radiation environment
Radiation units
Biological risks
Radiation exposure guidelines
Radiation countermeasures
Radioprotective agents
Radiation forecasting
Bone loss
Effect of microgravity on the skeletal system
Mechanism of bone loss
Space radiation-induced bone loss
Bone loss
Monitoring bone loss
Countermeasures to bone demineralization
Non-pharmacological intervention
Bone loss: a summary
Muscle loss
Cardiovascular changes
Orthostatic intolerance
Cardiac dysfunction
Neurovestibular
Space adaptation syndrome
Sensorimotor and locomotion adaption
Immunological
Behavioral issues
Expedition stressors
Behavioral problems
Psychiatric disorders
Positive effects
References
9: Voyage To Mars
Mission risk
Pre-launch activities
Launch and initial low Earth orbit operations
Trans-Mars injection and interplanetary travel
Life and death
Sleeping
Expedition clothes
Hygiene
Running to Mars
Preparing meals
Working en-route
External communication
Getting along
Leadership
Leisure time
Habitability
In-flight medical care
Arrival at Mars and orbit capture
Mars entry, descent and landing
Approach phase
Entry/atmospheric deceleration phase
Parachute descent phase
Powered descent phase
Initial surface operations
Long term surface operations
Departure preparations and departure
Rendezvous, docking and transfer to Earth return vehicle
Trans-Earth injection and interplanetary travel
Earth entry, descent and landing
Post landing recovery
Bone demineralization
Muscle atrophy
Neurovestibular problems
References
10: Exploration Activities And Surface Systems
Surface exploration
Exploration strategy
Surface exploration considerations
Surface objectives
Surface systems
Power generation and storage
Extravehicular activity
Life support systems
Surface habitat
In-situ resource utilization
Surface mobility
Martian communications and navigation capabilities
Communications overview
Surface-based communications network: concept of operations
Mars to Earth communications: concept of operations
Descent and landing navigation capability
Surface mobility navigation capability
Radiometric time architecture
Surface communication systems
Surface wireless mesh networking
References
11: Extreme EXPeditionary Architecture
Mobile, adaptable systems for Mars exploration
Revolutionary exploration objectives
Extreme EXPeditionary architecture background
EXP-Arch vehicle design concepts
Design principles
Initial conceptual designs
Final vehicle design: MSR Scorpion
Final vehicle design: Mini Rover
Radiation and shelter strategy
Advanced composite materials
Thermo-sets
Three-dimensional braided fabrics
Bioinspired engineering of exploration systems
Gecko-tech
Entomopters
Biomorphic explorers
Yabbies
References
Epilogue
Glossary
Index.