Paper Session I-B - Maximization of Benefits From the Space Exploration Initiative

On the 20th anniversary, in 1989, of our country\u27s triumphant first landing on the surface of our moon, the President of the United States once again challenged the nation to excel in space. Since that time, a series of outreach efforts was initiated by NASA to the aerospace industry, federal agencies, and the public. In addition, the Vice President of the United States chartered an Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program. At this writing, the AIAA has submitted a report on their canvass of the aerospace community, and the Advisory Committee report has been published. The synthesis group is in the conclusion preparation phase and should have the report completed by the time of this conference. Although each of these groups has taken different approaches, a consensus does appear that agrees with the President\u27s objectives. Whether the schedule or architectures agree, they all recommend a ...\u27 \u27balanced Space Program for America. We will, within budgetary limits, reenergize our country\u27s thrust into space through a renewed dedication toward the long-term magnet for the manned space program ... the human exploration of Mars. This, of course, is the long-term goal coupled with the science, mission-to-planet Earth, expanded technology and development of a robust space transportation system that make up the balanced program recommended. The authors do not disagree with the goals, objectives, or recommendations of the two reports published to date nor will we differ with the synthesis conclusions after they become apparent. We will briefly summarize the results of an .analysis conducted by McDonnell Douglas and Eagle Engineering in the second and third quarters of CY9Q. The results will show the benefits of space programs and suggest an overall approach to space architecture that could help maximize the world benefits of space while still meeting the overall objectives of the three sets of recommendations mentioned above. We acknowledge the work of the con- \u27 tributors to the AIAA report and to numerous NASA studies of specific endeavors such as the Lunar Energy Enterprise study. This paper is a much shortened version of the entire treatment. A more complete presentation will be available from the authors at the conference if desired