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6 Enabling Technologies
Pages 58-66

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From page 58...
... FIGURE 6.1  The Deep Space Network allows NASA to communicate with distant spacecraft. However, future missions will seriously strain its capabilities.
From page 59...
... technologies for the following decade, and (5) the Deep Space Network. NASA defines technology for future space missions according to technology readiness levels (TRLs)
From page 60...
... Many of the remaining missions recommended in the decadal survey cannot be accomplished only with existing technology. There are enabling components that are required: • Venus In Situ Explorer:  Multiple technology developments are required; • South Pole-Aitken Basin:  Guidance and associated autonomy technologies are required; • Comet Surface Sample Return:  The sample return can be accomplished now, but is too expensive; • Jupiter deep atmosphere probes:  NASA's Juno mission accomplishes some of the Jupiter atmosphere science, but the decadal survey calls for probes deep into the atmosphere to provide more details; and • Europa Geophysical Explorer:  The current Jet Propulsion Laboratory design with eight Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (MMRTGs)
From page 61...
... should contribute to lower mass, lower costs, and lower risks and will help to enable more challenging science missions. Results of Midterm Review Aerocapture Grade: C Trend: ➜ While there have been advances in aerocapture, flight qualification is required before its use in planetary missions will be acceptable.
From page 62...
... Results of Midterm Review Advanced Avionics Packaging and Miniaturization Grade: B Trend: ➜ Unlike the existing Deep Space Network with the receiving stations located on the ground, current concepts for optical communications networks envision receiving spacecraft in Earth orbit; these receiving spacecraft would intercept the beamed information and relay it to the ground.
From page 63...
... Recommendation:  NASA should make an assessment of which technologies will be required for Mars Sample Return and conduct an independent assessment of the analogous technology needs for the Moon, Venus, asteroids, and other targets. Results of Midterm Review In-Situ Sample Gathering, Handling, and Analysis Grade: C Trend: ➜ While there has been extensive development of Mars technologies in support of the Mars Science Laboratory mission, there are no SMD technology programs for the development of technology needs related to Venus and
From page 64...
... All activities are shut down with no plans for restarting them, yet this task is on the critical path for all landed sample return missions. THE DEEP SPACE NETWORK New Frontiers Recommendation Results of Midterm Review "The SSE Survey recommends upgrades and increased communications Grade: B Trend: ➜ capability for the DSN [Deep Space Network]
From page 65...
... Recommendation:  NASA should fund the Small Aperture Receive Array for the Deep Space Network and plan to replace the 70-meter antennas with arrays of small-diameter antennas by 2015. LAUNCH VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE Access to space remains a significant cost issue that is getting worse with the phaseout of the Delta II and associated launch complex 17 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Figure 6.2)
From page 66...
... 66 GRADING NASA'S SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION PROGRAM FIGURE 6.2  Launch of the Dawn spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket. The Delta II is slated for retirement by NASA in the next few years.


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