دوشنبه ۰۲ مهر ۰۳ | ۱۵:۲۷ ۱۰ بازديد
n the Administration. This
plan does not undertake exploration merely for the sake of adventure, however exciting that may be, but
seeks answers to profound scientific and philosophical questions, responds to recent discoveries, will put in
place revolutionary technologies and capabilities for the future, and will genuinely inspire our Nation, the
world, and the next generation.
Our aim is to explore in a sustainable, affordable, and flexible manner. We believe the principles and
roadmap set down in this document will stand the test of time. Its details will be subject to revision and
expansion as new discoveries are made, new technologies are applied, and new challenges are met and over-
come. This plan is guided by the Administration’s new space exploration policy, “A Renewed Spirit of
Discovery: The President’s Vision for U.S. Space Exploration,” a copy of which is provided on the follow-
ing pages. NASA is releasing this plan simultaneously with NASA’s FY 2005 Budget Justification. This
plan is fiscally responsible, consistent with the Administration’s goal of cutting the budget deficit in half
within the next five years.
I cannot overstate how much NASA will change in the coming years as this plan is implemented. I also can-
not overstate how profound the rewards will be on this new course. With the support of Congress, the sci-
ence community, the NASA civil and contractor workforce, and most importantly, the Amerins posed about the exis-
tence of life beyond Earth. Telescopes have found planets around other stars. Robotic probes have identified
potential resources on the Moon, and evidence of water -- a key ingredient for life -- has been found on Mars
and the moons of Jupiter.
Direct human experience in space has fundamentally altered our perspective of humanity and our place in
the universe. Humans have the ability to respond to the unexpected developments inherent in space travel
and possess unique skills that enhance discoveries. Just as Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo challenged a gen-
eration of Americans, a renewed U.S. space exploration program with a significant human component can
inspire us -- and our youth -- to greater achievements on Earth and in space.
The loss of Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia and their crews are a stark reminder of the inherent
risks of space flight and the severity of the challenges posed by space exploration. In preparation for future
human exploration, we must advance our ability to live and work safely in sBringing the Vision to Reality
The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration will be responsible for the plans,
programs, and activities required to implement this vision, in coordination with other agencies, as deemed
appropriate. The Administrator will plan and implement an integrated, long-term robotic and human explo-
ration program structured with measurable milestones and executed on the basis of available resources, accu-
mulated experience, and technology readiness.
To implement this vision, the Administrator will conduct the following activities and take other actions as
required:
A. Exploration Activities in Low Earth Orbit
Space Shuttle
• Return the Space Shuttle to flight as soon as practical, based on the recommendations of the Columbia
Accident Investigation Board;
• Focus use of the Space Shuttle to complete assembly of the International Space Station; and
• Retire the Space Shuttle as soon as assembly of the International Space Station is completed, planned
for the end of this decade;
International Space Station
• Complete assembly of the International Space Station, including the U.S. components that support
U.S. space exploration goals and those provided by foreign partners, planned for the end of this
decade;
• Focus U.S. research and use of the International Space Station on supporting space exploration goals,
with emphasis on understanding how the space environment affects astronaut health and capabilities
and devel understand the history of the
solar system, and to prepare for future human exploration;
• Conduct robotic exploration across the solar system for scientific purposes and to support human
exploration. In particular, explore Jupiter’s moons, asteroids and other bodies to search for evidence
of life, to understand the history of the solar system, and to search for resources;
• Conduct advanced telescope searches for Earth-like planets and habitable environments around other
stars;
• Develop and demonstrate power generation, propulsion, life support, and other key capabilities
required to support more distant, more capable, and/or longer duration human and robotic exploration
of Mars and other destinations; and
• Conduct human expeditions to Mars after acquiring adequate knowledge about the planet using
robotic missions and after successfully demonstrating sustained human exploration missions to the
Moon.
C. Space Transportation Capabilities re made 20 and 30
years ago, the direction we set for our human space
flight programs today will define space exploration
for decades to come.
The President’s Vision for space exploration is bold
and forward-thinking. It expands scientific discov-
ery and the search for habitable environments and
life by advancing 3The Vision for
Space Exploration
NASA Guiding Principles for Exploration
Pursue Compelling Questions
Exploration of the solar system and beyond will be guided by compelling questions of scientific and socie-
tal importance. NASA exploration programs will seek profound answers to questions about the origins of
our solar system, whether life exists beyond Earth, and how we could live on other worlds.
Across Multiple Worlds
NASA will make progress across a broad front of destinations, starting with a return to the Moon to enable
future human exploration of Mars and other worlds. Consistent with recent discoveries, NASA will focus
on possible habitable environments on Mars, the moons of Jupiter, and in other solar systems. Where advan-
tageous, NASA will also make use of destinations like the Moon and near-Earth asteroids to test and demon-
strate new exploration capabilities.
Employ Human and Robotic Capabilities
NASA will send human and robotic explorers as partners, leveraging the capabilitieurces, and extend an
advanced telepresence that will send stunning imagery back to Earth.
Starting at the Moon in 2008 and at Mars in 2011, NASA will launch
dedicated robotic missions that will demonstrate new technologies and
enhance our scientific knowledge of these destinations. These new
technologies and discoveries will pave the way for more capable robot-
ic missions and eventually human missio precursors for human mis-
sions to Mars and other destinations, testing new
sustainable exploration approaches, such as space
resource utilization, and human-scale exploration
systems, such as surface power, habitation and life
support, andbling future human
Mars missions. These missions will also obtain crit-
ical data for future human missions on chemical haz-
ards, resource locations, and research sites. They
may prepare resources and sites in anticipation of
human landings.
The first human mission beyond the Moon will be
determined on the basis of available resources, accu-
mulated experience, and technology readiness.
Potential candidates that might be considered
include circumnavigating Mars, visiting a near-Earth
asteroid, or erecting or upgrading a deep space tele-
scope. Such missions could test the human-scale
power, propulsion, and other transit systems neces-
sary to take trips to Mars before taking on the addi-
tional risk of a landing on planetary mobility. The scope and
types of human lunar missions and systems will be
determined by their support to furthering science,
developing and testing new approaches, and their
applicability to supporting sustained human space
exploration to Mars and other destinations.
The major focus of these lunar activities will be
on demonstrns. The first human explorers
will be sent to the Moon as early as 2015, as a stepping stone to demon-
strate sustainable approaches to exploring Mars and other worlds.
To support these missions, a number of key building blocks are neces-
sary. These include new capabilities in propulsion, power, communica-
tions, crew transport, and launch, as well as the refocusing of ongoing
programs like Space Station research. Major achievements, including
the completion of Space Station asses of each where most use-
ful. Robotic explorers will visit new worlds first, to obtain scientific data, assess risks to our astronauts,
demonstrate breakthrough technologies, identify space resources, and send tantalizing imagery back to
Earth. Human explorers will follow to conduct in-depth research, direct and upgrade advanced robotic
explorers, prepare space resources, and demonstrate new exploration capabilities.
For Sustainable Exploration
NASA will pursue breakthrough technologies, investigate lunar and other space resources, and align ongo-
ing programs to develop sustainable, affordable, and flexible solar system exploration strategies.
Use the Moon as a Testing Ground For Mars and Beyond
Under this new Vision, the first robotic missions will be sent to the Moon as early as 2008 and the first
human missions as early as 2015 to test new approaches, human and robotic capabilities
across multiple worlds. This plan provides the
framework for fulfilling the President’s direction,
guided by the principles on the facing page. It is
responsive to recent science findings, the NASA
Strategic Plan, the report of the Columbia Accident
Investigation Board, and the new space exploration
policy. It seeks to establish a sustainable and flexi-
ble approach to exploration by pursuing compelling
questions, developing breakthrough technologies,
leveraging sSupporting Exploration
• Develop a new crew exploration vehicle to provide crew transportation for missions beyond low Earth
orbit;
« Conduct the initial test flight before the end of this decade in order to provide an operational
capability to support human exploration missions no later than 2014;
• Separate to the maximum practical extent crew from cargo transportation to the International Space
Station and for launching exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit;
« Acquire cargo transportation as soon as practical and afforoping countermeasures; and
• Conduct International Space Station activities in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations contained
in the agreements between the United States and other partners in the International Space Station.
B. Space Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit
The Moon
• Undertake lunar exploration activities to enable sustained human and robotic exploration of Mars and
more distant destinations in the solar system;
• Starting no later than 2008, initiate a series of robotic missions to the Moon to prepare for and support
future human exploration activities;
• Conduct the first extended human expedition to the lunar surface as early as 2015, but no later than
the year 2020; and
• Use lunar exploration activities to further science, and to develop and test new approaches,
technologies, and systems, including use of lunar and other space and, at the same time,
develop the technologies to extend humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The new technologies
required for further space exploration also will improve the Nation’s other space activities and may provide
applications that could be used to address problems on Earth.
Like the explorers of the past and the pioneers of flight in the last century, we cannot today identify all that
we will gain from space exploration; we are confident, nonetheless, that the eventual return will be great.
Like their efforts, the success of future U.S. space exploration will unfold over generations.
Goal and Objectives
The fundamental goal of this vision is to advance U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests through a
robust space exploration program. In support of this goal, the United Scan public, we
will embark on this very exciting future.
When Christopher Columbus made his voyages across the Atlantic in the 15th and 16th centuries, his ships
carried the inscription “Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.” I look forward to joining you
as we follow the light of the planets and the stars into the new worlds of the 21st
plan does not undertake exploration merely for the sake of adventure, however exciting that may be, but
seeks answers to profound scientific and philosophical questions, responds to recent discoveries, will put in
place revolutionary technologies and capabilities for the future, and will genuinely inspire our Nation, the
world, and the next generation.
Our aim is to explore in a sustainable, affordable, and flexible manner. We believe the principles and
roadmap set down in this document will stand the test of time. Its details will be subject to revision and
expansion as new discoveries are made, new technologies are applied, and new challenges are met and over-
come. This plan is guided by the Administration’s new space exploration policy, “A Renewed Spirit of
Discovery: The President’s Vision for U.S. Space Exploration,” a copy of which is provided on the follow-
ing pages. NASA is releasing this plan simultaneously with NASA’s FY 2005 Budget Justification. This
plan is fiscally responsible, consistent with the Administration’s goal of cutting the budget deficit in half
within the next five years.
I cannot overstate how much NASA will change in the coming years as this plan is implemented. I also can-
not overstate how profound the rewards will be on this new course. With the support of Congress, the sci-
ence community, the NASA civil and contractor workforce, and most importantly, the Amerins posed about the exis-
tence of life beyond Earth. Telescopes have found planets around other stars. Robotic probes have identified
potential resources on the Moon, and evidence of water -- a key ingredient for life -- has been found on Mars
and the moons of Jupiter.
Direct human experience in space has fundamentally altered our perspective of humanity and our place in
the universe. Humans have the ability to respond to the unexpected developments inherent in space travel
and possess unique skills that enhance discoveries. Just as Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo challenged a gen-
eration of Americans, a renewed U.S. space exploration program with a significant human component can
inspire us -- and our youth -- to greater achievements on Earth and in space.
The loss of Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia and their crews are a stark reminder of the inherent
risks of space flight and the severity of the challenges posed by space exploration. In preparation for future
human exploration, we must advance our ability to live and work safely in sBringing the Vision to Reality
The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration will be responsible for the plans,
programs, and activities required to implement this vision, in coordination with other agencies, as deemed
appropriate. The Administrator will plan and implement an integrated, long-term robotic and human explo-
ration program structured with measurable milestones and executed on the basis of available resources, accu-
mulated experience, and technology readiness.
To implement this vision, the Administrator will conduct the following activities and take other actions as
required:
A. Exploration Activities in Low Earth Orbit
Space Shuttle
• Return the Space Shuttle to flight as soon as practical, based on the recommendations of the Columbia
Accident Investigation Board;
• Focus use of the Space Shuttle to complete assembly of the International Space Station; and
• Retire the Space Shuttle as soon as assembly of the International Space Station is completed, planned
for the end of this decade;
International Space Station
• Complete assembly of the International Space Station, including the U.S. components that support
U.S. space exploration goals and those provided by foreign partners, planned for the end of this
decade;
• Focus U.S. research and use of the International Space Station on supporting space exploration goals,
with emphasis on understanding how the space environment affects astronaut health and capabilities
and devel understand the history of the
solar system, and to prepare for future human exploration;
• Conduct robotic exploration across the solar system for scientific purposes and to support human
exploration. In particular, explore Jupiter’s moons, asteroids and other bodies to search for evidence
of life, to understand the history of the solar system, and to search for resources;
• Conduct advanced telescope searches for Earth-like planets and habitable environments around other
stars;
• Develop and demonstrate power generation, propulsion, life support, and other key capabilities
required to support more distant, more capable, and/or longer duration human and robotic exploration
of Mars and other destinations; and
• Conduct human expeditions to Mars after acquiring adequate knowledge about the planet using
robotic missions and after successfully demonstrating sustained human exploration missions to the
Moon.
C. Space Transportation Capabilities re made 20 and 30
years ago, the direction we set for our human space
flight programs today will define space exploration
for decades to come.
The President’s Vision for space exploration is bold
and forward-thinking. It expands scientific discov-
ery and the search for habitable environments and
life by advancing 3The Vision for
Space Exploration
NASA Guiding Principles for Exploration
Pursue Compelling Questions
Exploration of the solar system and beyond will be guided by compelling questions of scientific and socie-
tal importance. NASA exploration programs will seek profound answers to questions about the origins of
our solar system, whether life exists beyond Earth, and how we could live on other worlds.
Across Multiple Worlds
NASA will make progress across a broad front of destinations, starting with a return to the Moon to enable
future human exploration of Mars and other worlds. Consistent with recent discoveries, NASA will focus
on possible habitable environments on Mars, the moons of Jupiter, and in other solar systems. Where advan-
tageous, NASA will also make use of destinations like the Moon and near-Earth asteroids to test and demon-
strate new exploration capabilities.
Employ Human and Robotic Capabilities
NASA will send human and robotic explorers as partners, leveraging the capabilitieurces, and extend an
advanced telepresence that will send stunning imagery back to Earth.
Starting at the Moon in 2008 and at Mars in 2011, NASA will launch
dedicated robotic missions that will demonstrate new technologies and
enhance our scientific knowledge of these destinations. These new
technologies and discoveries will pave the way for more capable robot-
ic missions and eventually human missio precursors for human mis-
sions to Mars and other destinations, testing new
sustainable exploration approaches, such as space
resource utilization, and human-scale exploration
systems, such as surface power, habitation and life
support, andbling future human
Mars missions. These missions will also obtain crit-
ical data for future human missions on chemical haz-
ards, resource locations, and research sites. They
may prepare resources and sites in anticipation of
human landings.
The first human mission beyond the Moon will be
determined on the basis of available resources, accu-
mulated experience, and technology readiness.
Potential candidates that might be considered
include circumnavigating Mars, visiting a near-Earth
asteroid, or erecting or upgrading a deep space tele-
scope. Such missions could test the human-scale
power, propulsion, and other transit systems neces-
sary to take trips to Mars before taking on the addi-
tional risk of a landing on planetary mobility. The scope and
types of human lunar missions and systems will be
determined by their support to furthering science,
developing and testing new approaches, and their
applicability to supporting sustained human space
exploration to Mars and other destinations.
The major focus of these lunar activities will be
on demonstrns. The first human explorers
will be sent to the Moon as early as 2015, as a stepping stone to demon-
strate sustainable approaches to exploring Mars and other worlds.
To support these missions, a number of key building blocks are neces-
sary. These include new capabilities in propulsion, power, communica-
tions, crew transport, and launch, as well as the refocusing of ongoing
programs like Space Station research. Major achievements, including
the completion of Space Station asses of each where most use-
ful. Robotic explorers will visit new worlds first, to obtain scientific data, assess risks to our astronauts,
demonstrate breakthrough technologies, identify space resources, and send tantalizing imagery back to
Earth. Human explorers will follow to conduct in-depth research, direct and upgrade advanced robotic
explorers, prepare space resources, and demonstrate new exploration capabilities.
For Sustainable Exploration
NASA will pursue breakthrough technologies, investigate lunar and other space resources, and align ongo-
ing programs to develop sustainable, affordable, and flexible solar system exploration strategies.
Use the Moon as a Testing Ground For Mars and Beyond
Under this new Vision, the first robotic missions will be sent to the Moon as early as 2008 and the first
human missions as early as 2015 to test new approaches, human and robotic capabilities
across multiple worlds. This plan provides the
framework for fulfilling the President’s direction,
guided by the principles on the facing page. It is
responsive to recent science findings, the NASA
Strategic Plan, the report of the Columbia Accident
Investigation Board, and the new space exploration
policy. It seeks to establish a sustainable and flexi-
ble approach to exploration by pursuing compelling
questions, developing breakthrough technologies,
leveraging sSupporting Exploration
• Develop a new crew exploration vehicle to provide crew transportation for missions beyond low Earth
orbit;
« Conduct the initial test flight before the end of this decade in order to provide an operational
capability to support human exploration missions no later than 2014;
• Separate to the maximum practical extent crew from cargo transportation to the International Space
Station and for launching exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit;
« Acquire cargo transportation as soon as practical and afforoping countermeasures; and
• Conduct International Space Station activities in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations contained
in the agreements between the United States and other partners in the International Space Station.
B. Space Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit
The Moon
• Undertake lunar exploration activities to enable sustained human and robotic exploration of Mars and
more distant destinations in the solar system;
• Starting no later than 2008, initiate a series of robotic missions to the Moon to prepare for and support
future human exploration activities;
• Conduct the first extended human expedition to the lunar surface as early as 2015, but no later than
the year 2020; and
• Use lunar exploration activities to further science, and to develop and test new approaches,
technologies, and systems, including use of lunar and other space and, at the same time,
develop the technologies to extend humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The new technologies
required for further space exploration also will improve the Nation’s other space activities and may provide
applications that could be used to address problems on Earth.
Like the explorers of the past and the pioneers of flight in the last century, we cannot today identify all that
we will gain from space exploration; we are confident, nonetheless, that the eventual return will be great.
Like their efforts, the success of future U.S. space exploration will unfold over generations.
Goal and Objectives
The fundamental goal of this vision is to advance U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests through a
robust space exploration program. In support of this goal, the United Scan public, we
will embark on this very exciting future.
When Christopher Columbus made his voyages across the Atlantic in the 15th and 16th centuries, his ships
carried the inscription “Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.” I look forward to joining you
as we follow the light of the planets and the stars into the new worlds of the 21st
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