Human Exploration of Mars: The Reference Mission of the NASA Mars Exploration Study Team; NASA Special Publication 6107

Various paginations (approximately 230 pages). Acronyms. Illustrations (some in color). Tables. Figures. References. Cover has some creasing, wear and soiling. The format is approximately 8.5 inches by 11 inches. The human exploration of Mars will be a complex undertaking. Personnel representing several NASA field centers have formulated a "Reference Mission" addressing human exploration of Mars. This report summarized their work and describes a plan for the first human missions to Mars, using approaches that are technically feasible, have reasonable risks, and have relatively low costs. The architecture for the Mars Reference Mission builds on previous work, principally the work of the Synthesis Group and Zubrin's concepts for the use of propellants derived from the Martian atmosphere. The principal use of the Reference Mission is to lay the basis for comparing different approaches and criteria in order to select better ones. Getting astronauts to the Martian surface and returning them safely to Earth, however, is an extremely difficult engineering challenge. A thorough understanding of the Martian environment is critical to the safe operation of equipment and to human health, so the Mars Exploration Program will begin to look at these challenges. Advanced entry, descent and landing techniques that reduce the G-forces on landers will also be developed for spacecraft and astronaut safety. While robotic exploration will pave the way for the long-term possibility of human missions to Mars, much of the necessary scientific and technological work for this goal is carried out by NASA's Johnson Space Center.…