NASA Internal Memo: NASA Realigns Research and Technology to Accelerate CEV/CLV

From: Forehand, Lon (HQ-NC010) [mailto:lon.forehand@nasa.gov]
Sent: Friday, October 28, 2005 4:44 PM
To: Forehand, Lon (HQ-NC010)
Subject: NASA Realigns Research and Technology to Accelerate CEV/CLV

NASA has completed the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), which outlines NASA’s approach to implementing the Vision for Space Exploration.  The Vision calls for the Agency to return the Space Shuttle to flight, complete the International Space Station, return to the Moon, and move on to the exploration of Mars and beyond.  Based on ESAS recommendations, NASA has now laid out a detailed plan to support sustained human and robotic lunar exploration operations, for missions to the International Space Station, Moon, and Mars, and identify key technologies required to enable this exploration architecture.  See the attached point paper for more details.

CEV and CLV development requirements now directly drive the content of ESMD’s R&T components.  This includes Exploration Systems Research and Technology (ESR&T), Human System Research and Technology (HSR&T), and Prometheus.  Focus is shifted from advancing technologies for long-term requirements to directed research and maturing technologies for near-term use.  As a result of these R&T requirements, ESMD is undertaking transitional activities within the ESR&T and HSR&T programs to suspend expenditures on specific R&T tasks that will not be continued in FY 2006.  FY 2006 funding made available as a result of this transition will be redirected to Project Constellation to enable timely development of the CEV and CLV.   Attached is Enclosure 2 which provides a detailed listing of the HSR&T and ESR&T reductions.

Also as part of the implementation of the ESAS recommendations, ESMD is reducing the size of the Exploration Systems organization at NASA Headquarters, designating Exploration program and project offices at NASA Centers, maximizing the use of uncovered capacity at NASA Centers, and realigning activities to other Mission Directorates, as necessary.  NASA requires healthy Centers that fully utilize their unique strengths, and that work together to turn the Vision for Space Exploration into reality.  Attached is Enclosure 1 which provides task distribution charts that outline the new roles and responsibilities for each NASA Center.

Let me know if you have questions.

Lon

Realignment of Research & Technology Funding to Accelerate Development of Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) October 2005

NASA has completed the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), which outlines NASA’s approach to implementing the Vision for Space Exploration. The Vision calls for the Agency to return the Space Shuttle to flight, complete the International Space Station, return to the Moon, and move on to the exploration of Mars and beyond. Based on ESAS recommendations, NASA has now laid out a detailed plan to support sustained human and robotic lunar exploration operations, for missions to the International Space Station, Moon, and Mars, and identify key technologies required to enable this exploration architecture. This plan is a safe and sustainable approach that seeks to affordably accelerate the pace of space exploration. An important aspect of this plan is that it is a “go-as-you-can-afford-to-pay” approach, within planned budgets for Exploration Systems, through redirection of funding for longer-term and lower-priority research and technology (R&T) elements within the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD). The resulting Exploration program implements the ESAS recommendations.

NASA plans to accelerate the timeline for flight of the next human flight system by two years, from 2014 to a goal of not later than 2012. The first flights will be to the International Space Station (ISS), but the primary goal of the CEV is to support exploration efforts, including enabling humans to return to the Moon for week-long stays as early as 2018, but no later than 2020. Longer-duration human presence on the Moon is targeted for 2022. The changes in the R&T programs will provide funds required to accelerate the design, development, and fabrication of the elements and systems needed to support a return to the Moon on the above timeline.

Also as part of the implementation of the ESAS recommendations, ESMD is reducing the size of the Exploration Systems organization at NASA Headquarters, designating Exploration program and project offices at NASA Centers, maximizing the use of uncovered capacity at NASA Centers, and realigning activities to other Mission Directorates, as necessary. NASA requires healthy Centers that fully utilize their unique strengths, and that work together to turn the Vision for Space Exploration into reality. Enclosure 1 provides task distribution charts that outline the new roles and responsibilities for each NASA Center.

Realignment of Research & Technology Funding

CEV and Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) development requirements now directly drive the content of ESMD’s R&T components. This includes Exploration Systems Research and Technology (ESR&T), Human System Research and Technology (HSR&T), and Prometheus. Focus is shifted from advancing technologies for long-term requirements to directed research and maturing technologies for near-term use. As a result of these R&T requirements, ESMD is undertaking transitional activities within the ESR&T and HSR&T programs to suspend expenditures on specific R&T tasks that will not be continued in FY 2006. FY 2006 funding made available as a result of this transition will be redirected to Project Constellation to enable timely development of the CEV and CLV.

In the FY 2006 Budget Amendment, $292 million was identified as moving from R&T activities into Constellation for CEV and CLV acceleration. Following the results of the ESAS, as described above, an additional $493 million is identified from the R&T activities for acceleration of CEV and CLV. This yields a total shift from R&T to Constellation for acceleration in FY 2006 of $785 million, relative to original plans for FY 2006. In order to achieve this level of funding realignment within Exploration Systems, NASA is initiating actions now with respect to those affected activities. Enclosure 2 provides a detailed listing of the HSR&T and ESR&T reductions.

Human System Research and Technology

NASA is focusing HSR&T funding on program elements that mature technologies needed to support lunar sortie missions and ISS access, while reducing program elements targeting longer-term or lower priority needs. As NASA concentrates the use of the Shuttle on ISS assembly, some ISS utilization will be deferred. As a result, transitional action is being taken now to reduce and/or discontinue approximately 34 contracts and activities previously planned at $344 million in FY 2006. After termination costs and buyouts, these actions will yield $243 million in FY 2006 that will be applied toward accelerating the CEV and CLV. These actions are summarized as follows:

• Radiation shielding materials development has been de-emphasized, with a reliance on existing shielding approaches for CEV and lunar sortie missions. Longer-term development for advanced materials has been reduced and combined with structures and materials in ESRT.
• Artificial gravity research for crew physiological countermeasures to support Mars transits has been substantially reduced in the near term.
• Remaining animal research supported by Shuttle sortie missions to ISS has been eliminated.
• Investments in long-duration closed-loop life support technologies have been deferred until lunar outpost or Mars transit requirements dictate the need for future investments.
• Development of capabilities for lunar base contingency response with in-situ fabrication and repair using in-situ lunar resources has been eliminated.
• The priorities set forth from this plan maintain necessary funding for human health countermeasures, space radiation, advanced life support, environmental monitoring and control, fire protection, detection and suppression, advanced extravehicle activity systems, autonomous medical care, behavioral health, and space human factors.

Realignment of HSR&T tasks will shift focus to primary crew health and performance for exploration missions, while reducing tasks in Life Support and Habitation, Human Health and Performance, and Human Systems Integration.

NASA will maintain funding through FY 2006 for approximately 322 student grants, even though these grants are not on the critical path to support immediate technology needs. This one-time grant termination funding will allow a transition period for investigators/ students (approximately 1,100 investigators/students) to find alternative funding sources.

Exploration Systems Research and Technology

NASA is realigning projects to support the ESAS recommended architecture requirements. This realignment has resulted in a focused and phased, requirements driven, R&T program in which some projects are curtailed, some are adjusted, and some are added. Ongoing projects are streamlined to deliver Technology Readiness Level 6 capabilities when needed (system preliminary design review) so as to enable the CEV, launch systems, and lunar lander development schedules. Examples of technology projects, focused on the near-term, include ablative thermal protection and liquid oxygen-methane propulsion for CEV. Additional work is phased in after the first few years for lunar lander propulsion systems and non-toxic power and reaction control for launch vehicles.

Funding for technologies applicable to lunar surface systems, such as in situ resource utilization (ISRU), are deferred and phased in only during the out years. Discontinued, descoped or delayed technology projects include nanomaterials, inflatable structures, large-scale solar power, intelligent robotic systems, in space assembly, Mars mission specific technologies, and electric propulsion. Transitional action is being taken now to discontinue plans for 80 tasks and activities, previously planned at $206 million in FY 2006, which do not directly support ESAS architecture or schedule requirements. These actions will yield $174 million in FY 2006 that will be applied towards accelerated development of CEV and CLV.

Realignment of ESR&T tasks is necessary not only to enable timely CEV development, but also to address the technology development priorities for lunar exploration. New technology development activities will be initiated beginning in FY 2006 and will be performed by NASA Centers. Major new work in ESR&T beginning in FY 2006 includes development of variable thrust rocket engines that use methane and liquid oxygen propellants, thermal protection system materials, and an auxiliary power system for the CLV.

Prometheus Nuclear Systems and Technology

Prior to the completion of the ESAS study, NASA was planning to restructure the Prometheus Nuclear Systems and Technology (PNS&T) program to prioritize NASA’s nuclear technology development efforts to provide power on the surface of the Moon for a lunar outpost. ESAS results indicate that, given resource constraints, surface nuclear power systems to support potential long-duration stays on the Moon will not be required until after 2018. Nuclear propulsion will not be required until planning for Mars missions begins in earnest. The result of the findings is a total reformulation in the nuclear program, deferring all work until it is needed, yielding $76 million in FY 2006 to accelerate development of CEV and CLV.

Funding at these lower levels also assumed that remaining JIMO project activity was concluded at the Phase A Project Mission Systems Review milestone and that support for Prometheus by the DOE’s Office of Naval Reactors will not continue. NASA has contacted the Office of Naval Reactors to initiate planning for termination actions on activities covered by the Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and DOE (National Nuclear Security Administration-Naval Reactors) regarding Civilian Space Nuclear Reactors. The bulk of the remaining FY 2005 and projected FY 2006 funds for this activity will be spent on termination costs.

NASA will continue a low level of funding of approximately $10 million a year for key, high-priority, nuclear system R&T issues, with longer-term plans to increase funding in the future, as the need for long duration lunar and Mars applications approaches.

Enclosure 1: NASA Center Roles and Responsibilities

ARC Task Distribution

Robotic Lunar Exploration Program (RLEP)

• Program Management
• Oversight of RLEP robotic missions (projects)

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• Thermal Protection System Technology Development
• Integrated Systems Health Monitoring (ISHM) Oversight/Requirements Development
• Aero/Aero-Thermal database development team
• Analysis and Support

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

• Expertise in Integrated Systems Health Monitoring (ISHM) including design and development phase health monitoring requirements analysis, CLV element fault detection algorithms development, and DDT&E and V&V tools development
• Support reliability assessment with Monte Carlo simulations
• Ascent Abort CFD Blast Analysis

Launch/Mission Systems

• Support DDT&E of multi-Center Command &Control systems, human-machine interaction requirements, mission control software development, project planning and management software systems,and documentation systems

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

Human Research

• Support to various projects

DFRC Task Distribution

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• Abort testing
• Flight Test Support
• Independent Analysis

Launch/Mission Systems

• Preliminary definition and planning for CEV launch abort systems tests, drop tests, landing and recovery tests, flight re-entry and landing profiles, range safety requirements and integration

GRC Task Distribution

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• LOX/Methane engine Advanced Development
• Analysis and Support

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

• Lead design of Upper Stage Thrust Vector Control (TVC) System and Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) Sensors
• Design and integration of Upper Stage Electrical Power and Power Distribution Systems and integration with Avionics Architecture
• Government lead Upper Stage Developmental Flight Instrumentation (DFI) Package
• Thermal & fluid analysis of Upper Stage Main Propulsion System (MPS) and Pressurization Systems and of
• Thermal & fluid analysis of Upper Stage Upper Stage Reaction Control System (RCS) and
• Systems Engineering and Integration

Launch/Mission Systems

• Support DDT&E of multi-Center Command &Control systems, ground propulsion systems, mission control planning concepts, landing and reentry analysis

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

Human Research

• Support to various projects

GSFC Task Distribution

Communications and Navigation

• Project management
• Development of in-space communication and navigation requirements and specified capabilities necessary to support ESMD space vehicles

Robotic Lunar Exploration Program (RLEP)

• Lunar Robotic Orbiter (LRO) Project Management
• Design, development, integration, test, and delivery of the Lunar Robotic Orbiter
• Lunar Robotic Lander teamed with MSFC to lead the lander project
• Deputy Project Manager, Communication/Navigation, beacons, potential comm/nav relay

Launch/Mission Systems

• Support definition of multi-Center Command & Control systems and control software development

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

JPL Task Distribution

CEV

• Support to TPS Advance Development Team

Launch/Mission Systems

• Support DDT&E of multi-Center Command & Control systems, integrated human-robotic mission ConOps and planning, C3I standards and mission control software development

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

Human Research

• Support to various projects

JSC Task Distribution

Constellation Program

• Program Management
• Manage and integrate Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), Crew launch Vehicle(CLV)/Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLLV), Launch Systems, Mission Systems, Exploration Communication and Navigation Systems, and Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Projects

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• Project Management
• Aero/Aero Thermal Database
• Low Impact Docking System (LIDS) Development
• GN&C joint development team
• Parachute Development
• Flight Test Execution
• Landing Systems
• Support to Lox/Methane Adv. Development Team
• Support to TPS Adv. Development Team
• Subsystems Management
• Analysis and Support

Mission Systems

• Project Management
• Development of capabilities and planning for mission operations, crew training, and the Mission Control Center for ESMD human space flight missions. Will be coordinated closely with SOMD as they will be responsible for operation of these vehicles.

JSC Task Distribution (cont)

Human Research

• Program Management
• Development of capabilities to maintain crew health and performance associated with exploration missions

EVA

• Project Management
• New Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU) and related systems development required for the ESMD Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA)

Commercial Crew/Cargo

• Program Management
• New cargo and crew transport capabilities procurement and management for International Space Station (ISS) and human exploration needs
• Develop new ways of doing business with the emerging commercial space sector

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

• Flight operations support to CLV including lead of First Stage Recovery System modification activities, Upper Stage RCS development and certification testing, and Abort Certification for all phases of CLV flight.
• Support Separation Certification for all phases of CLV flight, CLV reliability and safety assessments including launch site function, CLV Mission Operations Planning to the Operations Integration organization, and Avionics Simulation development

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

KSC Task Distribution

Launch Systems

• Project Management
• Ground systems required for processing and launching Constellation’s space vehicles, including ground support equipment, Launch Control Center,and facility design and development. Will be coordinated closely with SOMD as they will be responsible for operation of these vehicles.
• Lead DDT&E and testing of ground processing, launch and recovery systems
• Launch and landing operations planning, C&C systems, common avionics, mechanisms and advanced propulsion systems across elements; test operations execution, ground and launch control software development and range safety integration

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• Ground Operations and launch processing support, Prime Contractor Insight, Independent Analysis

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

• Ground operations support to the CLV including leading GSE development and support facility modification activities and ensuring consideration of ground operations requirements during the design, development and test of all elements
• Avionics Simulations Support.

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

Human Research

• Support to various projects

LaRC Task Distribution

Technology Development

• Program Management
• Support to various projects

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• Unpressurized Cargo Module development
• Subsystem Managers and Independent Analysis,
• Aero/Aero Thermal and GN&C analysis support
• Landing Systems development

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

• Lead Aerodynamic characterization through wind-tunnel model development & fabrication, performing CFD analysis for design cases, providing facilities and test engineering support, and leading or otherwise participating in System Level Aero and Systems Analysis Aero & Loads Panels

Launch/Mission Systems

• Support DDT&E of CEV flight test operations and facilities

Human Research Program

• Support to various projects

MSFC Task Distribution

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)/Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLLV)

• Program Management
• Responsible for achieving all CLV and HLLV objectives for the Agency.
• Lead associated Systems Engineering & Integration activities, all CLV S&MA activities, and Upper Stage DDT&E
• First Stage design and Upper Stage Engine development contracts management, as well as leading or otherwise overseeing CLV associated demonstration testing.

Robotic Lunar Exploration Program (RLEP)

• Lunar Robotic Lander Project management, teamed with GSFC
• Engine (see trades below), CLV test flight

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

• Subsystem Managers, Independent Analysis, Abort Systems support, LOX Engine Technology
• Launch/Mission Systems
• Support DDT&E of launch vehicle ground interface and propellant systems, LV avionics checkout systems, facility, processing and launch requirements; payload operations planning, payload-shroud analytic analysis

Technology Development

• Support to various projects

Human Research

• Support to various projects

SSC Task Distribution

Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)

• Serve in a focused program management role for Constellation Systems rocket propulsion testing
• Lead Sea Level Development, Certification & Acceptance Testing for Upper Stage Engine including facility modifications and test operations
• Support Altitude Development & Certification Testing for Upper Stage Engine
• Lead Sea Level Development Testing for Upper Stage Main Propulsion Test Article which including facility modifications and test operations
• Lead Sea Level Acceptance Testing for Flight Upper Stage Assembly which includes facility modifications and test operations

CEV

• Support to Lox/Methane Adv. Development team

Launch/Mission Systems

• Support DDT&E of propellant test and delivery systems, ground engine checkout facility simulation and analysis, engine and launch facility planning and development

Enclosure 2: Realignment of Research & Technology Funding to
Accelerate Development of Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV)
October 2005

Summary

ESRT Broad Agency Announcement Projects Recommended for Terminiation: 51 Projects

Intramural Projects Recommended for Termination: 29 Projects

Editor’s note: Further detail on these cancellations can be found within “Further Details Emerge Regarding NASA’s Cancellation of Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT) Research Projects“

Summary

2006 Impacts