Valencia, Spain
(28 - 30 September, 2006)
MMW introduction
The Moon Mars Workshops (MMW) are selected and designed to be interdisciplinary, challenging to the mind, and to represent the problems faced today and in the near future as man tries to return to the Moon and journey to Mars for the first time.
The challenges faced by today’s space generation cover all imaginable areas and are not just focused on engineers and scientists, but in reality, like everything else, space science needs people who are trained in all areas from psychology and sociology to science and engineering, human resources and management, politics, ethics and law just to name a few. The goals of the MMW and SGC are to bring together the various educational backgrounds of the world’s youth and integrate their ideas to form new and novel concepts to solve the challenges of human space exploration. By combining the multi-ethnic diversity of MMW with the educational diversity, the delegates learn new communication and organization skills as well as work towards a peaceful and international goal of space exploration.
At the conclusion of the MMW, each group will produce a short document that will summarise their thoughts and ideas. This will then form part of a Youth Report which will be given the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outerspace. In addition, a short presentation to the MMW and SGC groups will be required. Groups are encouraged to continue working on their projects and to put their ideas into action. This is traditionally in the form of a research paper or poster to be presented at the following IAC. However, the groups are only limited by their own imagination and may wish to peruse other active medium such as the development of a web page, birth of a new organisation, a business venture, educational activities and promotions or to gain status within other organisations (e.g. United Nations COPUOS, links with the ESA/NASA student program, ISU involvement). The choices and opportunities are unlimited. Events such as “Yuri’s Night” and “Under African Skies” have their roots in just such activities.
1. Atmospheric and Interplanetary Transportation (formerly Lift-off and Transportation) – Technologies, Policies and Plans
Forum Introduction
Space transportation is by far the chief enabler of human and robotic exploration of the solar system. Current launch vehicles and inter-planetary thrust technologies are such that only mass-limited payloads are feasible for space exploration, increasing time-of-flight and limiting science return. The challenges to enable efficient human and robotic exploration must thus be met by innovative technological leaps to improve engines and reduce weight. This seemingly simple requirement represents one of the most challenging technical aspects of space research and exploration.
This workshop will explore the technologies needed for launch vehicles and inter-planetary travel, as well as examining other critical factors, such as the economics, risk analyses and policy issues pertaining to space transportation. It will also cover the need for basic research in new technologies and concepts (targeting identified goals, but not necessary specific systems) as well as technology and system development. This includes all aspects of interplanetary travel from the training equipment for astronauts to the launch vehicles, propulsion systems, life support systems and all other technologies needed to launch from Earth to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Some of the questions and issues that will be addressed are:
- What successful technologies already exist for space transportation and how do we define the best space transportation option in terms of performance, cost, and reliability?
- What novel space concepts and technologies can be applied to the problem of sending humans and robots to the Moon, Mars, and beyond?
- How will we know when we are ready for interplanetary travel and at what point is the risk acceptable?
- What are the current plans of space-faring nations and what are these nations addressing in terms of space transportation?
- What policies should be in place for space transportation?
2. Polocies and Planetray Protection – ethics, global and interplanetary protection, Lunar and Martion Lay
Forum Introduction
Concern regarding the protection of life on other planets was initiated in 1956 when the contamination of the Moon by spacecraft debris was addressed by scientists. When the Moon was found to be lifeless, the focus shifted to other bodies in our solar system where life is thought to exist or have existed. In 1967, the United States and the Soviet Union signed a treaty banning the use of nuclear weapons in space. The Outer Space Treaty states that planetary explorations shall avoid "harmful contamination" of the Earth and other planets. This can be interpreted in many ways, however it is aimed to ensure that the conduct of scientific investigations on planetary bodies must minimize potential impact on extant or extinct life.
Unfortunately, the policies are vague and have not been agreed upon by all space-fairing nations. Some organizations believe the Moon and Mars are not ours to land on and inhabit, and that they should be protected, similar to national parks or historic monuments. Others say they are there to be explored and not taking that risk would mean the loss of incredible resources for humankind. This raises some important political issues.
This workshop is aimed at developing these ethical and political arguments based on protecting our own planet from unknown entities and risks as well as protecting the Moon and Mars from similar hazards.
Some of the questions we aim to answer are:
- If we find life forms should they be brought back to Earth?
- How long should we look for life before deciding a planet is lifeless, and how much of the planet can we invade and investigate if life is detected?
- What ethical and political guidelines should be in place for protecting our own planet from unknown entities and risks as well as protecting the Moon and Mars from ourselves?
- What are the legal requirements for planetary protection?
- Should current non-space-fairing nations have a say? Should they be required to agree to adhere to any space policies?
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Who has the right to use resources available from
space, the Moon and Mars?
3. Goals for Moon Mars Missions – What should be done once we get there
Why are we going back to the Moon and why are we venturing out to the planets? Because we can? Because we are explorers? For fame and national prestige? Or maybe for profit? These are the underlining reasons why human kind chooses to explore space. Space is also an extraordinary resource and can provide a vast pool of knowledge. However, the space budgets are limited and the general public are ignorant of many of its benefits. If we want access to space, we need to have realistic expectations that will ensure the continued exploration of space.
This workshop aims at brainstorming the mission projects and research opportunities including all space related fields: engineering, science, biological and environmental, astronomical, social and business ventures. We need to convince the public and leaders that space exploration is beneficial and not just the domain of scientists and dreamers.
Some of the questions and issues that will be addressed are:
- International exploration of the moon and mars – how to execute it. “Program-sharing”, common goals
- Highlight “attractive” goals from science, commerce and public point of view.
- What goals can be achieved in the short term and what goals will have to wait for new technologies.
- Summary of current goals as defined by space-faring countries and bodies.
- Technological Research needed, in bullets.
4. Habitats
Getting to the planets is just one half of the technical problem. Habitat design includes all living aspects of planetary travel from radiation protection to life support and from living quarters to green houses. Some of the problems we are already faced with is materials and structures, recycling and self sustained life support systems, entertainment and leisure, health and fitness and weathering conditions.
The focus of this workshop is to brainstorm new and unique habitat ideas as well as to discuss a number of habitat related issues including:
- What habitat infrastructure already exists and identifying the major advantages/disadvantages?
- What habitat technologies need to be developed?
- Should the habitat be above or below ground?
- Should it be permanent?
- Should it be built for a single purpose or modular to grow as the mission grows and changes?
5. MoonBase 2027
MoonBase 2027 – In 2017 humans plan to return to earth, however no clear program of the lunar exploration exists at the moment. This workshop will examine how should the moon base look like after ten years, what can be reasonably accomplished by that timeframe, and how can we ensure that there will motivation to continue the lunar exploration after the initial excitement dies. Thus the group should look at possible science, commercial and technical gains that can be achieved at a ten years timeframe. Another important subject is to examine possible tie-ins between lunar and Martian exploration and how to best implement them.
Some of the questions and issues that will be addressed are:
- What can be done on the moon based on current VSE plans (2 sorties a year)
- Technology goals programs – what can be proven and achieved in a ten years timeframe and how it can be applied to mars exploration
- How will international co-operation aid the lunar exploration program?
- Lay down an exploration plan for the first ten years based on option, technological need and available resources.
6. Life Science
Major Space Agencies around the world have recently announced their interest in returning humans to the Moon as a possible stepping-stone towards Mars, and eventually beyond. Long duration mission onboard the International Space Station or permanent bases on the Moon or a future visit to Mars, could mean astronauts spending up to two years travelling and living in space. Their journey will be a challenging trip both mentally and physically and they will need to be skilled in both technical and mental control. In addition to dealing with Human-Human issues they must face a number of factors which in the past have often been overlooked, that is Human-Environment and Human-Technology Factors. The human relationship with the surrounding environment and technology interface is one of the key issues when dealing with long duration missions.
This workgroup will be looking at the human and psychological factors needed by the explorers who must endure the long mission to Mars (3yr round trip). Some of the issues include:
- What ergonomics will be required to satisfy the human elements of long duration missions. (e.g. EVA space suit, general attire, work space, relaxation quarters, exercise etc)?
- What is the most optimal layout of the space craft?
- What physical program would be required and should a relaxation and recreation room be used.
- What cultural issues and differences need to be address?
- What mental training would be required?
- Should they be tested in confined living quarters before selection?
- What are the selection criteria?
- How many? How old? Male or Female? Family health and mental history?
- Are we as a society ready to tackle interplanetary travel?
7. Robotic vs. Human Exploration
A major question that is asked by many people that are not as biased as we are (well, most of us are) towards manned space exploration is why go there when the robotic probes are becoming more and more sophisticated and cost a fraction of what a manned exploration program would. This workshop would attempt to make a compelling case for human exploration based on scientific advantages, societal influences, technology acceleration etc... The Apollo moon program was motivated by a space race. This probably won't be the case for Mars, so strong economic incentives will need to be explored, addressed and developed.
8. Moon Stories
There are stories about the
Moon, the planets and the stars in every culture. People from all over the
world would have heard and told many different stories. It would be
fascinating to collect and compare stories as well as ancient astronomical
discoveries from all over the world. These could be anything from historical
facts to childhood stories.
The goal of this project is to create a collection of both ancient and
modern space stories from around the world and to share information about
how these stories came about. The outcome of this project could be a book,
website or even an educational game.
Questions to be addressed in this project:
· What are similarities and differences between stories from all over the world?
· Are the stories used somewhere in modern life, eg do they somehow appear in space exploration?
· Are there special occasions when the stories are usually told?
· Do the stories have a meaning in religion, music, or literature?
· Why are certain stories told in specific cultures?
General Interest Projects
9. AustroMars Project
General description:
The major European and US space entities have both initiated two ambitious exploration programmes culminating in a crewed expedition to planet Mars. Independent of the decision whether to send humans to the Red Planet within the next decade or the next 40 years, first of all, technologies and strategies need to be developed to make such an endeavour a safe and affordable undertaking.
Mars is the next logical Step in our exploration programmes: in order to stimulate the necessary technology developments, the US-based Mars Society operates a Mars-Analogue Station in the desert of southern Utah since 2000, where short-duration surface missions are simulated. In April 2006, the "AustroMars" expedition -under the auspices of the Austrian Space Forum-will carry out such a simulation. The project is developed as a technology test bed for Mars analogue sciences, and at the same time, a showcase of national research capabilities.
Within this framework and in line with the AustroMars Simulation 2006, the MoonMars Working Group issues a call for ideas. The topic of the proposal is unrestricted but should inherit innovative potential for mars exploration, other space sectors or non-space sectors. e.g. It can relate to the crew and the habitat, the landscape or the Mars Rover and the Aerobot.
More specifically
- Proposal for a 2 week simulation (entire project or part project)
- Proposal of longer/shorter term human related projects
- Proposal for robotic related projects
See the website for more details:
www.austromars.at/index.php?en
10. NASA's Centennial Challenges Program
Centennial Challenges is NASA's program of prize contests to stimulate innovation and competition in solar system exploration and ongoing NASA mission areas. Centennial Challenges seeks novel solutions to NASA's mission challenges from non-traditional sources of innovation in academia, industry and the public. The six prize competitions encompass a range of capabilities and technologies, including: on-orbit propellant provisioning, lunar astronaut rovers, space suits, advanced power storage, orbital sample return, and solar sails. Projects include:
- Fuel Depot Demonstration Challenge
- Human Lunar All-Terrain Vehicle Challenge
- Low-Cost Space Pressure Suit Challenge
- Lunar Night Power Source Challenge
- Micro Re-entry Vehicle Challenge
- Station-Keeping Solar Sail Challenge
See the NASA website for more details
http://exploration.nasa.gov/centennialchallenge/cc_index.html
11. Outreach for Ou Outreach for Public and Youth at International Space Events
Introduction
There are a number of space-related conferences throughout the year, but MMW / SGC are only present at few of those conferences. Some of these conferences provide excellent possibilities to introduce the work of SGC and MMW and to find new participants.
The goal of this project is to organise outreach activities for international conferences such as ICEUM.
Tasks to be addressed in this project:
· Identify large / interesting conferences or other space events suitable for outreach projects
· Brainstorm ideas for outreach activities
· Get a general idea of existing activities within MMW / SGC suitable for outreach activities
· Make new and existing projects available for outreach activities at conferences
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For 2006 project information via the Space Generation Congress site, please
visit the following link -
http://valencia.spacegeneration.org/delegates/projects.php