Mars Architecture Studies

Human Exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0, Addendum #2

2014, March – "This report serves as the second Addendum to NASA-SP-2009-566, “Human Exploration of Mars Design Referencea Architecture 5.0.” The data and descriptions contained within this Addendum capture some of the key assessments amp;and studies produced since publication of the original document, predominately covering those conducted from 2009 through 2012." (PDF)

Human Exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0, Addendum

2009, July – "This report serves as an Addendum to NASA/SP–2009–566, “Human Exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0.” The data and descriptions contained within this Addendum provide additional detail and analyses conducted in the development of DRA 5.0. NASA/SP-2009-566 serves as the primary document describing DRA 5.0, including potential areas where discrepancies exist with this Addendum." (PDF)

Human Exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0

2009, July – “This report provides a vision of a potential approach for human Mars exploration that is based on estimates of what we know… [It provides] a common framework for future planning of systems concepts, technology development, and operational testing. In addition, this architecture description provides a reference for integration between multiple agency efforts including Mars robotic missions, research that is conducted by the International Space Station, as well as future lunar exploration missions and systems.” (PDF)

Reference Mission Version 3.0 Addendum to the Human Exploration of Mars: The Reference Mission of the NASA Mars Exploration Study Team

1998, June – “This Addendum to the Mars Reference Mission was developed as a companion document to NASA Special Publication 6107, “Human Exploration of Mars: The Reference Mission of the NASA Exploration Study Team.” The Addendum summarizes changes and updates to the Mars Reference Mission that were developed by the Exploration Office since the final draft of SP 6107 was printed in early 1998.” (PDF)

Human Exploration of Mars:  The Reference Mission of the NASA Mars Exploration Study Team

1997, July – “This document [serves] as a reference from which we can continuously compare and contrast other new innovative approaches to achieve our long-term goal [of sending humans to conduct science on the Red Planet and explore its mysteries]. A key element of future improvements to this document will be the incorporation of an integrated robotic/human exploration strategy currently under development.” (PDF)

Report of the 90-Day Study on Human Exploration of the Moon and Mars

1989, November – “This is an internal NASA report… led by Johnson Space Center… Its purpose [was] to provide a database for the Space Council to refer to as it considers strategic planning issues. The report [was] used as an input and one data source for Council consideration of approaches to program, schedule and technology, international cooperation and management… [and] to examine a range of robust technical alternatives and approaches to mission planning.” (PDF)

America at the Threshold: America's Space Exploration Initiative

1991, May – “The Space Exploration Initiative is a vision for the 21st century. It is a vision of America reaching beyond itself, and onward, beyond the very bounds of this planet to an entirely new world. On the way there, we will reap the real, tangible benefits of space exploration… The challenge is before us. This report shows how we begin.” (PDF)