An affordable and flexible architecture for deep space exploration

This paper describes a cislunar proving ground architecture as part of an affordable, evolvable program that maximizes return on investment in the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Launch System (SLS), and Orion spacecraft. The cislunar proving ground architecture is capable of performing/supporting key missions and objectives, including deep space habitation stays for increasing durations, an asteroid redirect mission, lunar excursions, and other Mars mission enabling demonstrations. Key approaches to affordability include maximizing the use of SLS/Orion co-manifested payload launch mass and assuming incorporation of International Partner (IP) contributions and commercial logistics support. Additional focus on affordability was placed in the areas of standardizing key interfaces, incorporating commonality where feasible, and making use of ISS as a technology demonstration facility. The primary conclusion from the study is that an incremental architecture can support meaningful cislunar proving ground missions/objectives as well as provide a framework for international and commercial cooperation. The underlying long duration mission capabilities and partnerships developed with the ISS in concert with the transportation system enabled by the SLS and Orion make this architecture feasible.