The
Conference on Future Directions in Space Science and Technology
seeks to promote the dream of space exploration by providing a venue
for basic research currently underway in various areas of space
science and technology that could prove beneficial in the near
future. In any integrated space vehicle, there are a large number
of independent and interdependent systems that are needed to
accomplish mission success. In some cases, there are engineers and
scientists that work with fine focus to produce prototypes of high
fidelity subsystems (such as navigation or propulsion) that are
relevant for next generation spacecraft; while in other cases, teams
of engineers and scientists work diligently and carefully to
incorporate the latest cutting-edge subsystems into an integrated
spacecraft tailor built to accomplish a specific other-worldly
task. In all cases, it is critical that engineers and scientists
alike be keenly aware of the trade space of available hardware and
technology at their disposal so as to allow them to focus their
efforts on the real technical innovation challenges. Papers and
presentations are solicited but not limited the following areas of
interest:
Robotic systems to be used in unmanned and manned space exploration
are of interest. Terrestrial robotic systems that could be adapted
(and how) to space use are of interest. Intelligent systems used to
diagnose and disposition the health status of integrated vehicle
systems is also of interest.
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Proximity operations sensor systems
to be used to facilitate rendezvous and docking of two orbital
spacecraft are of interest.
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Guidance, Navigation, and Control
systems to be used beyond the Global Positioning System halo are
of interest
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Environmental Control and Life
Support Systems for manned spaceflight are of interest.
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Communications systems are of
interest.
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Prototype approaches for accomplishing space science and
technology objectives supporting advanced spacecraft development
are of interest.
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Avionic systems development for manned space flight is of
interest.
Also of interest are discussions on:
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Future
propulsion science and technologies for space flight beyond the
Earth/Lunar system. These should address the
fundamental high-impact issues of current and future propulsion
systems on the access and utilization of space, or the areas of
science and technology requiring basic research breakthroughs
for such ideas to be viable.
Other sciences and
technologies required for exploration outward from the
Earth/Lunar system.
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Future directions of space
utilization within government, industry, academia and private
programs to include but not limited to colonization.
Sessions will be developed from the submitted papers and
presentations into the following focused areas:
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Scientific and technology
foundations,
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Basic research areas originating from
government, industry, academia and private research programs,
and
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Public education.
The chairs have final authority on what is presented in their conference.
W4.1 Enabling Technologies for Lunar Surface Science
Chair: Pamela E. Clark, NASA – GSFC, Greenbelt, MD 20771, 301-286-7457,
pamela.e.clark-at-nasa.gov
Co-Chair: TBD
Papers and presentations are solicited that examine
technologies that will enable lunar surface sciences activities that
support the development of a lunar outpost architecture meeting the
published goals and objectives of the scientific community. Of
interest, but not limited to, are discussions on the:
Development of surface instrument packages capable of operating
autonomously with stand-alone power systems whether delivered
robotically or by a human crew, in particular those that could
give a) early measurements of the atmosphere, radiation, field,
charged particle, and dust interactions on local and global
scales, and b) global scale geophysical data.
Support (e.g., via navigation, communication, robotics) for EVA
and IVA science/exploration activities on the lunar surface.
Development of tools and instruments for use by crew during EVA
and IVA science/exploration activities.
W4.2 Lunar
Lander Design
Chair: TBD
Co-Chair: TBD
W4.3 In-Space Resource Utilization, ISRU
Chair: TBD
Co-Chair: TBD
