Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University
Department of Space Flight Systems, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)(ISAS)
One of the important goal of human space exploration is to construct sustainable outpost which can be operated without resupply transformation from Earth. Sustainable human Mars exploration will become important milestone to achieve this goal. Mars outpost must prepare to long time isolation because several hundred of days are needed to transfer materials between Earth and Mars. On the other hand, essential materials such as air and water will be extracted from Mars air and soil.
In this research, method of sustainable operation of long-distance outpost is focused in contrast to previous short-distance outpost, depending on short time and frequent transportation to and from Earth. Especially, improvement of survivability and reduction of initial mass in LEO are aimed and logistics system of in sustainable manned Mars exploration is constructed.
One important suggestion resulting from the consideration using sustainable manned Mars exploration logistics system is that, huge materials as same amount as ISS must be transferred to LEO every year to maintain Mars base if Mars mission is done in present technology level. So, developing new technologies such as nuclear propulsion, advanced life support system and in-situation resource utilization are required. In this research effect of these new technologies are evaluated quantitatively. At last, feature of logistics method of sustainable manned Mars habitation is totally discussed.