Skip to main content

Human Exploration of Space A Review of NASA's 90-Day Study and Alternatives (1990) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

VI. Summary Responses to Questions Posed by the Vice President
Pages 33-38

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 33...
... Regarding additional areas that warrant consideration, the committee believes it prudent to await better understanding of significant life sciences issues before deciding the detailed architecture for sending humans to Mars. The committee further believes that precursor missions, such as the Mars ObseIver, are essential to understanding the Martian environment and to determining appropriate landing sites, for example for exploratory landers that might be sent from a Mars orbiter.
Read the entire page →
From page 34...
... Likely areas for technical advances include nuclear power, propulsion, and conversion technologies for space applications; controlled environmental life support systems; sophisticated human/machine systems; physiological and psychological countermeasures to the space environment; effective artificial gravity; and the intertwined technologies In computer science and artificial intelligence that provide for better information management. Technologies to lower the cost of access to space probably will become available, including advanced materials and a new generation of cryogenic engines.
Read the entire page →
From page 35...
... NASA believes that international partners should be included in the early definition of HEI. While it is important to work together with other nations, the committee believes it is necessary to understand the HEI mission designs and architectures before making commitments.
Read the entire page →
From page 36...
... Concepts such as the Great Exploration, using as yet unproven inflatable technologies and expedited procurement procedures, and concepts based on using space station modules for orbiters and bases could potentially enable a return to the Moon and human exploration of Mars earlier than the NASA reference missions. However, an adequate infrastructure for potential future needs would need to be built separately.
Read the entire page →
From page 37...
... A space station in LEO is considered essential for all of the scenarios; however, the requirements of the HEI may not be fully met by Space Station Freedom. Last, the committee believes that, whatever the selected architecture for HEI, there is a need for a new emphasis on advanced technology development and that it is highly desirable to continue to cast a wide net for innovative concepts.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • nasa report
  • reference approaches
  • station freedom
  • nuclear propulsion
  • increase performance

  • lower costs
  • technically credible
  • existing technology
  • human exploration
  • ssf modules

  • operating costs
  • credible approaches
  • nasa reference
  • nasa document
  • approaches reviewed

  • heavy lift
  • exploratory landers
  • enabling science
  • artificial gravity
  • lift vehicles

  • potentially enable
  • hei mission
  • critical technology
  • various cost
  • recommendations cycling

  • advances mars
  • using space
  • include research
  • future missions
  • include nuclear


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.