Benchmarking the human exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture

Abstract

This research benchmarks the Mars DRA 5.0 by quantifying its mission utility in satisfying mission objectives derived from human exploration of Mars community consensus. Acolytion's Progspexion is utilised for modelling and simulation of the DRA in determination of potential mission outcomes and computation of crewed mission to Mars metrics. While establishing a baseline performance, the research determines the DRA's mission utility is limited due to a lack of its consideration during design. In addition, the research indicates the DRA simultaneously contains an overwhelming number of single points of failure with high criticality and lacks an adequate hierarchy of contingency and abort strategies to preclude loss of mission and crew fatality.