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NASA Outlines "Flagship" Technology Demonstrations
FleaPlus writes "As part of its new plans, NASA has outlined the initial series of large-scale 'flagship' technology demonstration (FTD) missions for developing and testing technologies needed for sustainable beyond-Earth exploration, complementing the smaller-scale ETDD missions outlined previously. The first four FTD missions (costing $400M-$1B each, about the cost of the recent Ares I-X suborbital rocket launch) are scheduled to launch between 2014 and 2016, demonstrating advanced in-space propulsion (next-generation ion propulsion and solar arrays), in-space propellant transfer and storage, a lightweight/inflatable mission module at the ISS (which will also test closed-loop life support), and an inflatable aeroshell for aerocapture at Mars. A multi-purpose robotic rendezvous and docking vehicle will also be developed to support these missions."
I totally agree with new approaches and new development. But I want to mention two things you might not be aware of.
Bigelow Aerospace has flown 2 inflatable Habitats since 2006. The foam they are made of was originally developed for the ISS, and tech transferred to a private company to develop it further.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigelow_Aerospace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransHab
Heck their Sundancer manned habitat might BE the tech demonstrator for inflatable habitats.
The VASIMR 200kw electric propulsion system tested on the ISS, can only run for 10 minutes on batteries that have to trickle charge because the ISS only has 110kw of solar power available.
So while these things aren't man rated yet, I can see where the tech demonstrators for these would be quick to put together with little 'new' development time.