Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle6008

Workshop on Golden Spike Human Lunar Expeditions (2013) 6008.
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MULTI-MISSION SPACE EXPLORATION VEHICLE (MMSEV): AN EVA AND ROBOTICS WORK-

SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS. A. F. J. Abercromby1, S. P. Chappell1, and M. L. Gernhardt2,
1
Wyle Science, Technology, and Engineering, Houston, TX 77058, USA, (andrew.abercromby-1@nasa.gov),
2
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA.
Vision: The Multi-Mission Space Exploration Ve- MMSEV Features: MMSEVs optimize astronaut
hicle (MMSEV) is an EVA and robotics work system safety and performance during exploration by combin-
optimized at the level of astronaut performance and ing a comfortable shirtsleeve environment for habita-
safety rather than at the subsystem level with key fea- tion, gross translations, and geological observations,
tures including: EVA-equivalent visibility, low- with the ability to rapidly place suited astronauts out-
overhead EVA, and protection against solar particle side the vehicle to take full advantage of the percep-
events. The MMSEV uses a modular approach with a tion, judgment, and dexterity of EVA astronauts. Low-
low-volume, high-function core cabin that is kitted with overhead EVA capability is achieved via “step-in”
different mobility and work packages making it exten- space suits and suit ports, which allow crewmembers to
sible to multiple mission destinations and applications. egress or ingress the vehicle in 15 minutes or less with
Originally developed as a small pressurized rover minimal consumables or energy usage [5], improving
for human lunar exploration missions, MMSEV proto- productivity and ensuring rapid EVA ingress and
types have been developed for multiple destinations egress to and from the shelter of the MMSEV in re-
and applications using the same core cabin design out- sponse to solar particle events, suit malfunctions, med-
fitted differently for each case. A small multi-center ical emergencies, or cabin depressurization. Compared
team rapidly designed, built, and tested two prototype with unpressurized astronaut mobility systems, this
planetary MMSEVs from 2007–2010 [1-3]. A third combination of features could more than double the
MMSEV prototype incorporates a cabin module modi- productivity of human exploration while requiring less
fied from the planetary MMSEVs and a modular reac- than half the suited crew time and eliminating the over-
tion control system sled designed for free-flying micro- head of returning to a habitat at the end of each day [1].
gravity missions to ISS, satellite servicing, or near- MMSEVs are envisioned as relatively small, sim-
Earth asteroids [4]. A fourth prototype is being devel- ple, and low cost vehicles combining elements of the
oped for use as a habitable airlock for an in-space habi- EVA suits’ life support systems, with additional con-
tat and a fifth was recently built and evaluated for use sumables tankage, cabin circulation fans, passive radia-
as a two-person or four-person lunar lander. tors, and an ice block heat sink for removal of cabin
Extensibility & Affordability: Multi-mission ap- avionics and crew metabolic heat loads that also dou-
plicability provides flexibility in response to changes in bles as radiation protection. MMSEV cabins (12 m3)
programmatic direction as well as potentially signifi- are sized to support 2 astronauts in a shirtsleeve envi-
cant cost reductions through utilization of an extensible ronment for up to 14 days of exploration, but provide
core design for multiple vehicles rather than develop- contingency support for 4 crewmembers for 24 hours;
ing optimal point solutions for every potential destina- testing of prototype MMSEVs in integrated mission
tion and mission application. The commercial offshore simulations has demonstrated that the MMSEV cabin
remotely operated vehicle (ROV) industry uses a design meets these requirements [2, 3].
common propulsion and telemetry bus outfitted for Exploring Beyond Apollo: A low-cost lunar ex-
different work applications as a much more cost effec- ploration architecture could begin with 1–2 day mis-
tive approach than developing entirely unique ROVs sions using a simple 2-person MMSEV-lander (esti-
for every different work application. NASA Air Force mated cabin wet mass: 2,207 kg) with EVAs performed
Cost Model (NAFCOM) estimates suggest significant on foot. Subsequent delivery of a single MMSEV-rover
cost savings are also achievable through the MMSEV (estimated 6,075 kg) would provide long-range explo-
project’s lean development approach of iterative design ration and 14-day habitation capability, representing
and build of increasingly flight-like prototype vehicles meaningful progression beyond Apollo.
combined with frequent and rigorous operational test- References: [1] Abercromby, A.F.J., et al,
ing at analog test sites and using high-fidelity integrat- NASA/TP 216136. 2010. [2] Abercromby,
ed software simulations. This testing provides high A.F.J., et al. Acta Astro, 2012. [3] Abercromby, A.F.J.,
confidence in design requirements for flight vehicles et al., NASA/TP 217360. 2012. [4] Abercromby, A.F.J.,
and enables informed decision making when trading et al., 43rd ICES. RATS. 2013. [5] Abercromby, A.F.J.,
multi-mission applicability against optimization for et al., 43rd ICES. Exploration Prebreathe. 2013
each destination and application.

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Workshop on Golden Spike Human Lunar Expeditions (2013) 6008.

MULTI-MISSION SPACE EXPLORATION VEHICLE (MMSEV): AN EVA AND ROBOTICS WORK-

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