Canadian capabilities and interests in the space exploration initiative

Acta Astronautica Vol. 28, pp. 249-258, 1992 Printed in Great Britain

0094-5765/92 $5.00+0.00 Pergamon Press Ltd

Canadian Capabilities and Interests In the Space Exploration Initiative F.R. Vigneron* G.M. Lindberg** Canadian Space Agency Ottawa, Canada Summary The Space Exploration Initiative of the United States proposes a manned expedition to Mars by the year 2019, and an associated return to the Moon to develop and demonstrate needed life science and exploration technology. The Initiative has attracted the intezest of individuals and organizations in Canada because of its tremendous potential and challenge. In 1990, the Canadian Space Agency convened an internal Working Group with the intent of examining potential Canadian involvement in the SEI and related exploration. The Working Group's initial appraisal led to identification of the following areas of possible interest: science; space communications and spacecraft subsystems; planetology, remote sensing & resources; robotics; life sciences; biotechnology for life support; and energy. The Working Group explored each of the areas in more depth via consultant contracts and advice from Science Working Groups. The activity included surveys of individuals and agencies in Canada to establish the level of capability and interest in the various areas. This paper presents a consolidation and summary of the results of the Working Group's surveys.

delineated a future course in the following broad terms: a return to the moon for purposes of advancing critical exploration technologies; then a mission to Mars to establish a human presence by 2019; the 'use of Space Station in the endeavour. The Initiative would be a next step in a series of programs, including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Shuttle, and Space Station, that have progressively extended human capability in space. The initiative would also provide for a major advance in planetary science. The program is a tremendous challenge from a technological point of view. Major advances are needed, particularly in space transportation, health sciences, regenerative life support systems, the use of in-situ resources, and robotics and automation. The relative importance of specific objectives and associated mission architecture and timelines is not yet fully agreed. The recent Stafford Report offers candidate scenarios (Ref. 5). The United States perceives that the SEI would have broad social and economic benefits, including the following: Science and Technology: the program would increase knowledge and develop new and more efficient systems.

Introduction In 1990, the Canadian Space Agency convened an internal Working Group to explore potential Canadian interest in the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) that is under development by NASA in the USA. This paper first gives a brief description of the SEI. It then describes a number of consultant surveys of capability and interest in SEI that were sponsored by the Working Group. Finally an analysis of the results of the surveys and conclusions from the activity are given. The information developed by the Working Group will be available to the Executive of the Space Agency for eventual formulation of government policy.

Competitiveness: the program would spur America's competitiveness in the 21st century. Education: young people would be stimulated to pursue careers in mathematics, science and engineering. International Cooperation: nations would be brought together to achieve peaceful exploration. Pride: the program would provide US citizens with a visiblesymbol of America's strength and vision.

The Space Exploration Initiative

The program is proceeding in the United States, although it is experiencing delays.

Over the past several years the United States has been evolving plans for a major advance in establishing a human presence beyond the earth (Ref. 1-5). In 1989, President Bush announced the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI), which

The United States has announced that it would plan to invite international cooperation in the SEI. There have been informal visits to Canada by scientists from NASA over the past two years to acquaint Canada with the Initiative.

* Director (Acting) Space Mechanics Directorate ** Vice President, Research and Applications

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Potential Benefits of Canadian Participation

Consultant Surveys

The potential economic and social benefits to Canada may be stated in the following qualitative terms.

In April 1990, the Working Group made an initial appraisal of the SEI, and the science/technology areas to be investigated were selected. The main means by which the Working Group set about its investigation was a set of surveys, conducted by consultants under contract or by existing Space Science Working Groups. The areas, consultants, and lead persons from the Working Groups are shown in Table 2.

. The program would provide an opportunity for focused science and technology activity that would maintain and advance Canada's capability at a rate that is consistant with international standards. Canada has capabilities in a number of key areas (the obvious being robotics, communications, and remote sensing) and SEI could be a focused means to maintain and extend them. Also SEI offers the potential to expand less well developed areas in Canada (for example life sciences,

resourceprocessing). As the SEI will stimulate progress at the leading edge in technologies that are generic and important to many applications, direct and indirect spin-off activity may be expected in both space and terrestrial sectors. Participation in SEI would enhance Canada's national image, both abroad and within the country. A positive image abroad is important to maintaining export of Canadian high technology products. Within Canada, the SEI could be expected to contribute a positive national spirit to an equal or greater degree than "the Canadarm and other major space projects. There is good potential for regional distribution of activity for SEI, particularly because new capabilities will be required. As the SEI would be an international endeavour, it would stimulate partnership between Canadian and international industries that would enhance export and trade opportunities. Canadian participation in SEI would stimulate an interest by young Canadians in pursuing careers in science and technology, which is generally agreed to be beneficial to Canadian society.

Moon-Mars Exploration Working Group In accordance with the potential benefits outlined in the preceding section, the Canadian Space Agency convened the Moon-Mars Exploration Working Group in March/1990. The main aims of the Working Group were to: (i) establish the level of interest in SEI in Canadian institutions and firms; (ii) to identify candidate areas and projects; and (iii) to obtain further suggestionsregardingbenefits and rationale. The results of the Working Group were envisaged to be used in connection with the Space Agency's Long Term Space Plan (now in preparation, for completion in Spring 1992). The membership of the Working group was drawn from branches of the Space Agency and government with a potential scicnce/tochnology interest, and is shown in Table 1. The Working Group reported to the Executive of the Space Agency through the Vice President of Research and Applications (Dr. G.M. Lindberg).

The surveys in the various areas were conducted with similar procedures. Each consultant first reviewed the available literature and activities in his particular areas, and prepared a summary that focused the subject and put it into context. In some areas, a questionnaire was also prepared. An explanatory letter together with backgroimd material was mailed to agencies T a b l e 1. M e m b e r s h i p of the M o o n - M a r s E x p l o r a t i o n W o r k i n g Group

Space Technology CSA

F.R. Vigneron (Chair) A.H. Reynaud G. Vukovich R. Boudreault**

Space Science CSA

G. Atkinson

Space Station CSA

D. Smith P. Maltais (F. Christie)

Astronaut Program CSA

R. Thirsk

Biotechnology Research K. Kennedy NRC (R. Overend)

Satellite Communications A. MacLatchy DOC (J. McNally)

Policy and Planning CSA

G. Leclerc (R. Rheaume) (L. Aronovitch)

( ) Membership of limited duration ** Under contract Mar-June/91, to assist in consolidation of W G results and conclusions

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or persons that the WG lead and consultants believed might have an interest or capability. The consultants followed up many of the contacts with personnel or telephone interviews.

473 persons or agencies were contacted in total, of which 225 responded. This high response rate was due in part to the fact that the survey was directed to persons believed to have an interest, but also is a measure of a good general interest in the SEI and/or space exploration in general. Figures 1 and 2 summarize the distribution of contacts according to sector of activity and geographical region.

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meetings in January and March of 1991, and also documented their work (Ref. 6-13). The consultants generally found a high level of interest in Canada, but a lack of detailed knowledge of SEI by most respondents. A better orientation to SEI would be a prerequisite to a worthwhile contribution for many potential participants. Although the consultants felt that they had only scratched the surface, about 100 subareas or projects were suggested (they are presented in later sections). An overview of the level of interest and findings, as perceived by the Working Group leads and consultants, is given in the following.

Robotics The consultants presented their findings to representatives of the various branches of the Space Agency at

Table 2. Surveys of Interest and Capability Study Area

There is a high level of interest in the Space industry, and ample challenging opportunities in SEI. There is potential for strides in robotics and automation. Canada is seen as being in a competitive position in this area. It is also felt to be important to participate in SEI to retain Canada's worldrecognized niche.

Advisors F i g u r e 1. S e c t o r o f A c t i v i t y o f C o n t a c t s

Science - Materials - Astronomy - Solar-Terrestrial

Science Committees - MSAC 1

Space Communications Satellite Systems

F.J.F. Osborne & Assoc.

Remote Sensing, Planetology, Resources

R.A. Stacey Consultants

Robotics

P.A. Lapp Associates

Life Sciences

Medelite Consultants

Planetary Cartography

Champlain Institute

3*/.

- ISSA 2

- STRAC 3

24*/, 41%

I

• Industry

I Academia

I G..... men, [ ] CSA

r~ o~er

Figure 2. Regional Distribution of C o n t a c t s 6.00%

Biotechnology

Energy - Portable energy/ energy storage - Nuclear

Alberta Research Council

11.00%

17.0C 19.00%

Martin H a m m e d i Enterprises AECL

1. Materials Science Advisory Committee 2. Joint Subcommittee on Space Astronomy 3. Solar Terrestrial Relations Advisory Committee

47.00% [IBC:

IWest

III Ontario

~ Ouebe¢

r'l Marillmel+J

]

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The development of Canadarm for the Space Shuttle and the Mobile Servicing Center for the Space Station Programs have positioned Canada solidly in space robotics. Robotics is an emerging sector of the Canadian high technology economy. It consists of an ensemble of technologies ranging from teleoperation to expert systems, artificial vision and sensor fusion. It combines and applies most of the new information technologies in development.

The potential areas identified in the consultants studies include the following. An assembly and service facility using MSS technology could be provided at the space station or lunar node to integrate and manipulate SEI spacecrafts and their payloads. The tele-robotic technology could also be used to automate lunar laboratories such as oxygen processing plants. There are a number of applications for robotic vehicles in SEI. Such vehicles could to perform excavation and mining, servicing and repair, geological/geophysical (or planetary) surveys and explorations, rescue and personnel transport operations. These could be tele-opcrated from the location, the base or even, in the case of a lunar base, from the earth.

Space Communications Industry expressed a good level of interest in this area. There is excellent capability in Canada and there is significant opportunity in SEI for exercise of it. The Canadian community would welcome new R & D challenge and SEI offers such opportunities. Potential contributions could include the support to the US Deep Space Network (DSN) of a refurbished and reoriented Algonquin Radio-astronomy Observatory (ARO), the generation of a Data Relay Satellites to be positioned in GEO or near the Moon (a Lagrange point 2 relay satellite for example) or Mars, or local communications networks (Local Area Networks) for mission related communication on or near planetary surfaces. Communication subsystems for a science base or for rovers would also offer a lower cost and effective participation.

Planetology/Resources/Remote Sensing The consultant study contributed worthwhile ideas, particularly in remote sensing. Canada has a capability in remote sensing and resource identification through programs such as LANDSAT and the development of RADARSAT. There is a need in SEI for remote sensing of the Moon and Mars, and Canada has technology for the payload and the interpretation of data. However, Canada also has excellent opportunities in earthbased projects (i.e. Mission to Planet Earth) during the next decade and perhaps beyond. Most potential contributions appear give earth-based projects priority over SEI at present. The consultant study also identified an earth observatory as a possible project. This project could directly benefit the study of the earth. Local resources are an important aspect of the operation of a lunar outpost or Mars mission. The cost of lifting required oxygen, hydrogen and other consumables to orbit and them into

trans-lunar of martian trajectories is phenomenal. It has been proposed to use and process local resources "in-situ". Ground penetrating radars could be developed to locate higher ore content resources within the easily accessible top few meters of the surface. Other instruments such as spectrometers, are also u~able processing plants would be developed to process lunar rel[olith to produce oxygen and other materials. Canada has capability in these areas in earth-based applications. However, to date it has not been applied in the Space Program. The consultant's study was inconclusive regarding level of interest in this area. Although "planetology science" has been an active area of research in the USA, the USSR, and Europe over the past 25 yeai's, expertise that extends beyond knowledge of the earth is not well-developed in Canada.

Cartography The positioning of sites, location of resources, exploration and most surface activities on the Moon or Mars will require navigation. Navigation requires maps, a reference system, method(s) of direction finding and positioning as well as trajectory planning. These are well understood technologies on earth where the geoid is well defined and where remote sensing satellites are used. These facilities however do not exist for the Moon or Mars in a form that has the required level of accuracy. Reference systems must be attached to the precise planetary gravitational field which is still mostly unknown for the Moon and Mars. Canada possesses unique strengths in the field of reference systems, coordinate systems, photogrammetry and geomatics. The cartography community is interested in the SEI challenge, and has the capability and international credibility. Although the direct spin-off potential for this area appears to be low the long term indirect benefits are felt to be substantial.

Life Sciences The consultant's survey revealed a strong interest in SEI amongst the life sciences and medical community. Carrying out long duration manned operations in space presents a challenge to life scientists. The limited experience of the community with long duration microgravity and space radiation exposure has raised significant questions on the ability of maintaining crew mental and physical health. Canada has an outstanding internationally recognized capability in radiation protection, as a result of the nuclear pro~am at the Atomic Energy oLCanada Ltd. (AECL). There is also an excellent capability in most health-related areas. However, the capability has not been extensively applied in the Space program to date. Numerous low cost R & D areas were suggested and excellent spin-off to terrestrial medical research is evident. The organization of the Life Sciences sector is still in progress and the community would need better orientation to SEI before a specific contribution could be defined. Biotechnology & Life Environmental Support This is a critical area for SEI that requires a great deal of future R & D. Particularly the development of closed-cycle life support systems is vital, and the spinoffs to environmental

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protection and control on earth appear to be outstanding.

Oerlikon Aerospace Inc.

The consultant's advice, however, is that the potential for Canada is limited by two factors: (a) the USSR and the US have over 20 years experience in life support in space, and it may be difficult for Canada to offer credible contributions; (b) the area is viewed as being strategic in both the US and the USSR.

A company survey by Ocrlikon Inc. during 1990 was received with great interest in parts of the science and technical community. Areas felt to be worthy of consideration included in-situ resource utilization, robotic vehicles, closed environmental life support systems, and solar power satellites.

Canadian Space Society Food Processing technology was identified as a topic in which Canada has: expertise and which has potential as a contribution to SEI.

Energy Energy is a critical technology for SEI, both for transportation and for in-space or planetary operations support. Canada has an excellent nuclear capability in terrestrial reactors. A role as a direct supplier of nuclear power may be probablematic at present, due in part to national policy in both Canada and the USA. A support role to a Canadian contribution appears a feasible involvement for Canada's energy capability. Tl~re is considerable potential in regenerative fuel cells, energy storage methods, radiation technology, and many of the subsystems of nuclear power that might be complementary to a planetology or robotics contribution.

"Space Science The present Space Science community in Canada focuses on solar terrestrial physics, astronomy, materials processing in space, and life sciences. As regards the first three of these areas, it was felt by the Science Committees that the Moon or Mars efforts would not be the fight environment to carry.out the type of science accomplished within the Canadian space program. Space based astronomy proponents felt that Canadian astronomers could use US developed facilities. Other media to carry out the scientific objectives of the committees could be used at lesser expense than planetary bases. One exception was the possibility of using the Moon as an earth observatory. Such a project could include environmental sciences, solar-terrestrial sciences and planetary sciences and may warrant further study. The project could be a potential contribution to both the Space Exploration Initiative and Mission to Planet Earth (MPE) type of programs.

Additional Canadian SEI Activities In addition to the Working Group's activities, other independent activities relating to SEI have been in progress over the past two years. The are summarized below. SPAR Aerospace Ltd. SPAR has conducted a number of company-funded studies, and some results were presented in November 1990 at the Sixth CASI Conference on Astronautics(Ref. 14). SPAR's interests axe broad, and include robotics and in-situ resource development. SPAR has also recently announced a teaming agreement with Rockwell International, that will include their robotics capability in proposals for US-funded contracts.

The Canadian Space Society organized a Moon/Mars Exploration Workshop between December 1990 and February 1991, for purposes of developing a recommendation to the Space Agency's Working Group. The members contributed on a voluntary basis to activities that members believe are in the interest of Canadian science and technology. The Workshop advocated a Canadian activity in planetary exploration, with emphasis on use of space resources, interplanetary propulsion, life support, and small exploratory rovers.

Canadian Geophysical Union A Workshop on planetary exploration was organized and held at the Conference on the Canadian Geophysical Union in Banff, Alta., May 1991. The workshop included a review of some of the topics underway in Canada that relate to planetary exploration, and also included a proposal for Canadian research in planetology(Ref. 16).

Areas and Projects Suggested to/by Consultants A large number of projects or subprojects, or R & D areas were suggested by survey respondents and/or the consultants. The Working Group has organized this information into the form given in Table 3. The left hand column indicates the areas of interest, and the fight hand column lists the R & D subprojects that respondents to the surveys have indicated arc areas of capability and/or interest. In the better developed areas of Canadian capability, the Consultants made an effort to suggest large multidisciplinary projects that might be candidates for development into a future major Canadian contribution to SEI. Table 4 gives examples of the projects. In the less-developed areas of space activity in Canada, (for example life sciences and energy), no attempt was made to identify major projects. Each of the projects listed in Table 4 involve several of the subarcas of Table 3 (communications, power, telcmanipulators, etc.). Most of them have merit in science and/or technology advances for space exploration. Some of them also have "Mission to Planet Earth" connection, such as an Earth observatory on the Moon.

Rationale and Programmatic Advice from the Community Provision of rationale for Canadian involvement on the part of respondents was sparse on account of their lack of detailed knowledge of SEI. In spite of this, the working group perceived the following motivations for Canadian participation. Several sectors or industries feel that they have excellent capability to offer, and that participation in SEI affords an opportunity for challenging, focused activity which would advance the capability in their fields. Canada would, through this involvement, retain and possibly enlarge its niche in

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Table 3. Compilation of Areas/R & D

Topics

T a b l e 3. C o m p i l a t i o n of A r e a s / R & D Topics ( C o n t ' d )

Science,rl'eehnolo ~-¢Area

Proiect of Canahilitv

ROBOTIC VEHICLES

Rover Communication Module Robotics Survey Vehicles Excavation/Mining Vehicles Servicing/Repair Vehicle Geophysical/Geological Survey Vehicle Rescue Vehicle Road Construction Soil/Regolith Moving

TELEROBOTICS

Extraction/Processing Plant Laboratory Science Facility AssemblyFactory/based on SS F R E E D O M or Moon Habitat Construction

HUMAN BEHAVIOUR AND PERFORMANCE

Deep Space Network Upgrade SSF as Spaceport Telecom & Data Relay Sats Lunar/Mars Terminals FacilityCommunications Remote SiteSensors Rover Communications Module Lunar Mapper L-2 Relay Comsat Mars Mapper Mars Local & Relay Comm.

CODETRON technology Spatial Orientation Behaviour & Applications Human Performance in Space; Ergonomics and Training ug on Human Performance Performance in Relation to Work/Sleep/Diet/Illumination

BIOLOGY AND HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

Transcranial Doppler Blood Flow Changes in Olfactory Discr. in ug Muscle, Bone, Calcium loss in ug Cardiovascular System Response in ug Oculo-Motor System Studies Performance in Relation to Work/Sleep/Diel/Illumination Disorientation and Motion Sickness Energy Expenditure in ag Effects of Sleep Deprivation Spatial Orientation Behaviour & Applications Evaluation of Deconditioning and Mechanisms Evaluation of Physical Fimess in Space Body Fluid Distribution in ug Reproduction in Space Adaptation of Human Nervous System in Low-g Biochemical Changes induced by Space Conditions Exbiology/Bioastronomy Terraforming Mars Exobiology Disorientation/Motion Sickness Enroute to Mars

COMMUNICATIONS

E N E R G Y STORAGE

Reversible PEM Fuel Cell Li/FeS2 ARB New Polymer Electrolytes Minit Charger PEM Fuel Cell LiNeS ARB Hi-ion-conducting Ceramics Sodium/Sulfur ARB

F.NERGY G ~ T I O N

Solar Arrays Solar Power Satellites ISRU Nuclear Generator SLOWPOKE Technology

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear Power Nuclear Battery Heat Pipe Technology Toluene-organic Rankine Engine Organic Fluid Stability Stifling Engines Thermoelectric Radioisotopic Heat Source Advanced Heat Rejection Radiators

NUCLEAR MEDICINE & BIOLOGY

Individual Hyperaentivity to Radiations Monitoring of Whole Body Radiation Dose Induction of Radiore~istance in Human Cells Improve/Validate In-Vitro

Assay for Radiosensitivity Automated Biomedical/Env. Radiation Monitoring Radioprotection Radiobiology of high and mixed - LET Radiation Dosimetry of high LET Radiation Radiation Hazard Studies and Modelling Radiation Detection and Warning Microbial/Chemical/Radiation Interaction

LIFE E N V I R O N M E N T SUPPORT Biosensors/EnvironmentHazards Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Waste Management and Recycling Environmental Monitoring EVA Suit Decompression Hazards Improved Pressure Glove Closed Life Support System Contamination Control Air Revitalization Water Purification Anaerobic Power Plant/CO2 Removal Nutrient Recycling f ~ Space Pilot Plant - Oxygen, metals,

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Table 3. Compilation o f Areas/R & D Topics (Cont'd) Silicon etc.. Cryogenic Storage Facility Fluid Transfer Facility (planetarysurfaceand SSF) HabitatDesign and Assembly FOOD SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY

Waste Management and Recycling Food Palatability Food Durability Identification of Food Hazards and Effects Nutrient Recycling for Space Food Supply Seed Technology Radiation Protection of Crop Plant Food Treatment Instrumentation Food Irradiation in Space Exploration Activities

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Table 3. Compilation of Arear/R & D Topics (Cont'd) PLANETARY EXPLORATION/ Ground Penetrating Radar PLANETARY SCIENCE Earth Observatory - Environment Monitor Geology and Geophysics of Moon & Mars Origin of the Solar System Particip. in Planetary Sci. Missions - e.g. Asteroids Meteorite Impact Studies Solar-Terrestrial Observatory PLANETARY REMOTE SENSING

Mapping Satellite Lunar & Mars Remote Sensing Satellites

ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Astronomical Observatory (Optical Interferometers) Astrophysical Observatory (Radiotelescop¢) High Energy Physics Origin of the SolarSystem Liquid MirrorTelescope Relativity Experiments

OPERATIONAL MEDICINE

Prediction of Suceptibility to Decompression Sickness Effects of Long Space "l~'avelon Nutrient Requirement Liposomes for Non-lnvasive Therapy SPACE/SPACECRAFT Material Sciences - Space & Harsh Env. Immune System Alteration and Correction Exposure Asses. of Physical and Psychological ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Tribology & Vacuum Science Well-Being Crygenic Storage Facility Medical Care Huid Transfer Facility Telemedicine Habitat Design and Assembly Biomedical Monitoring Frozen Soil Engineering Telemedical/Auto Biomedical Monitoring Large Space Structure Design, Decompression Sickness and Treatment Assembly and Control Coantermeasure,sfo¢ effects of ug Solar Sails, Dust Engines, EM Guns Countermeasures to Maintain Fitness - New Propulsion Orthostatic Intolerance Upon Return to l-g k Countermca NAVIGATION,~ARTOGRAPHY Geodetic Reference System - VLBI Countermeasure to Decomp. Sickness Geodetic Control Network Orthicultur¢Therapy De.epSpace Positioning & Navigation Monitoringof Whole Body Radiation Surface Positioning & Navigation Dose Topographic Base Mapping

IN-SITU RESOURCES

Pilot Plant - Oxygen, metals, Silicon etc.. Lunar and Martian Mining Super Crane Helium-3 Extraction Asteroid Prospection and Mining

international space activity. Direct spinoff potential was not considered a major criteria in program selection, but indirect spinoff potential was generally deemed high. Unsolicited but useful programmatic advice from the community was an unexpected product o f the consultant surveys. The essence o f the advice follows.

(A)

Canada should have its own program in planetary exploration, with a level o f independence from NASA. A stand alone contribution would, to some extent, insulate Canada from political and economic vicissitudes abroad, as well as provide an identifiable component.

M 28-R

Surface Based Surveying and Mapping Facilities Information Management System Telcpresence - Video Geographic Representation

(B)

The planetary initiatives of Japan and ESA offer alternatives to SEI for Canadian consideration. Manned missions to establish a human presence in space, and unmanned scientific programs arc both possibilities to be considered.

(C)

The CSA should provide leadership for the next initiative, and should demonstrate a will to proceed. A need was expressed for development o f a strategic plan. and it was suggested that the CSA involve and coordinate both existing and new sectors. The institution of a focussed contracted (STEAR-Iike) program was suggested as a desirable way to develop science and technology for the mission at this stage.

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(D)

(E)

0:)

(G)

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The CSA should prepare its strategy and position early in relation to its international partners. Early participation means more latitude in project selection, and more influence over the program. Canadian participation should be science or user driven, as opposed to technology driven, i.e., technology development should serve the requirements specified by a scientifically motivated program, and not be an end in itself. Science and technology education is a very important part of the mission, and associated activity should be started now. The Working Group activity was welcomed by the scientific and technical community, and numerous suggestions were made for follow-on activity, such as workshops, discussions, etc.

W o r k i n g G r o u p Analysis To obtain a feeling for the relative benefits of the very wide range of science/technology areas raised in the surveys, the Working Group attempted a systematic ranking exercise on the areas of Table 3. A set of criteria upon which an evaluation of the relative merits of projects or activities could be made was first established by the Working Group, and subsequently applied to the areas of involvement considered. The criteria are listed in Table 5 and defined more completely in Reference 17. The result of the ranking exercise is shown in Table 6. The result offers a perspective of the underlying quality of the areas relative to mission and program consideration. The rating is out of 100, and therefore every area gained at least 50% or better of the points which indicates a significant measure of support for each and every area. While the result in Table 6 is useful, there are additional factors that need to be considered in decisions as regards best areas to be supported by the Canadian Space Program (such as other commitments in a particular science/technology area).

Table 4. Examples of Major Multidisciplinary Projects

Project Title

Description

Space Station-based Assembly Facility

An expansion of the Mobile Servicing System to permit the assembly, servicing and integration of OTVs and spacecraft supporting SEI.

Exploration Rover(s)

Autonomous rover having decision abilities to perform exploration duties, localize resources and gather scientific data.

Servicing/Utility Vehicles

Robotic vehicles with tele-robotic aptitudes, providing for repair and servicing of surface facilities, (such as a nuclear reactor) and transportation duties.

Remote Sensing/Planetary Mapping Satellite

Remote sensing satellite(s) to characterize the geography and the resources of the Moon or Mars. The satellites could remain in operation post-mission to provide positioning and surface navigational aids.

Earth Observatory

A scientific facility located on the surface of the Moon to observe the earth as a planet. Solar-terrestrial physics, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences and astronomy would be involved.

Planetary Relay Communications Satellite(s)

Provide or contribute to a communications network for the Moon and/or Mars

Deep Space Position System

Navigational aid supporting NASA's Deep Space Network using a modified Algonquin Radioteleseope Observatory.

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Conclusions

Acknowledgements

The following conclusions were drawn on the basis of the activities of the Working Group.

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Working Group members, and the excellent contributions of the contracted consultants to this subject. As well the information on nuclear energy contributed by Dr. Eugene Critoph and staff of AECL was appreciated.

(a)

There is definite interest in SEI and/or planetary exploration by a significant number of Canadian groups or organizations.

(b)

There is a strong capability in a number of technology areas relevant to planetary exploration (e.g. robotics, communications) and this capability would be expected to interest SEI partners.

(c)

The Canadian Space Program has not had involvement in planetary science & exploration to date. Effort to date has been concentrated on earth-oriented science and applications. As a consequence, the science aspects of planetary exploration are not well developed in Canada.

(d)

Of the number of areas and projects listed in Tables 6 and 4, it seems premature to focus on one particular area or project. The next step could be to designate 3-4 strategic areas for preparatory definition studies and science or technology starts. It would be prudent to select projects that could contribute to both SEI and ahemate planetary exploration programs.

(e)

There are areas or projects of potential Canadian interest that have been overlooked in the study (e.g. building science and habitats, other robotic applications, other life sciences). Future work should make provision for inclusion of topics unidentified to date.

Table 5. Evaluation Factors used in Ranking of Scientific/Technology Areas

Evaluation Factors National Image Scientific/Technical Merit Benefit to Space Sector Canadian Capability Acceptance by Partners Canadian Project Autonomy Benefit to Non-Space Sector Funding Considerations Social Benefits Regional Distribution Co-investment of Proponents Uniqueness International Teaming

Table 6. Ranking ofScienee/Technology Areas Discussion and Concluding Remarks The Working Group activity was started in the Spring of 1990, and at that time it was expected that NASA would be discussing cooperation with international partners within 3-6 months. The SEI, of course, has experienced delays over the past 16 months, and as a result the interaction with Canada has essentially been limited to transfer of the information in the public domain. There are possibilities for cooperation in exploration initiatives of other countries that should be considered in addition to SEI (for example, CNES's initiative in planetary rovers). It is visualized that future activity would explore such additional options as well. The results and conclusions described herein should not be interpreted as a position or policy of the Canadian government at this stage.

Science/Technology Area Robotic Vehicles Planetary Remote Sensing In-Situ Resources Utilization Telerobotics Biology & Human Physiology Communications Planetary Science

Relative to 100 70-80

Human Behaviour & Performance 60-70 Operational Medicine Nuclear Medicine & Biology Navigation/Cartography Spacecraft/Spacecraft Engineering Technology Astronomy & Astrophysics Life Environment Support Energy Generation Food Science/Technology Nuclear Energy Energy Storage

50-60

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List of References 1. T. Payne, ed, Pioneering the Space Frontier, Bantam Books, NY, 1986

Associates, Canadian Space Agency CSA-DSM-CR-91-22, Ottawa, Canada, March 1991

2. S. Ride, "Leadership and America's Future in Space" NASA, US Government Printing Office, Washington, 1987

11. M. Hammerli, "Assessment of Canadian Opportunities for Participation in the Field of Portable Energy and Energy Storage Systems", Martin Hammerli Enterprises, Canadian Space Agency CSA-DSM-CR-91-24, Ottawa, Canada, March 1991

3. Beyond Earth's Boundaries; Human Exploration of the Solar System, NASA US Governement Printing Office, Washington, 1988 4. Report of the 90 Day Study on Human Exploration of the Moon and Mars, NASA US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402, 1989

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