Game Changing Development
Propulsive Descent Technology (PDT) Original Content
Project Description
Current technology does not support Mars human missions due to limitations in capability to land high mass support hardware. If we want to send people to Mars, we need to provide a new propulsive descent capability that extends to supersonic speeds and is applicable to human missions.
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Anticipated Benefits
NASA Funded: No currently funded NASA missions are utilizing SuperSonic propulsive deceleration technologies derived from PDT investments. Potential NASA Mars Human precursor missions in the mid-2020 timeframe, or commercial application of these technologies in the next decade, represent the earlist potential infusion opportunities. NASA Unfunded: Future high mass robotic and human missions at or above ~3mt will require this technology. Propulsive-based SuperSonic deceleration capabilities are the only known technology that can close this gap. OGA: No applications have been identified for utilization by OGAs. Commercial: Advancement of SRP for terrestrial launch veh. return and reusability would be of benefit to the comml ind. Specific opps. May include Blue Origins, and Space x. Nation: The application of these technologies would advance NASA's ability to land humans on the surface of Mars in the 2030's.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Houston, Texas |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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Alabama
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California
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Georgia
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Massachusetts
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Texas
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Virginia
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