Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Space Architects
NASA Space Exploration Architecture Development
Welcome to the MIT Space Architect's website. Here at MIT we have been developing a methodolgy to apply system architecture principles to the design of the space exploration system. This website allows for easy access to the work being done at MIT and other related documents
Background
On January 14, 2004, President Bush announced the new space exploration initiative. In his speech, he outlined the need for a sustainable space exploration program that transports humans to the Moon, Mars, and 'beyond'. NASA has begun to formulate the requirements of such a system, and the implications of requiring the system be sustainable. For more information on President Bush's initiative and the work outlined by NASA, please consult the Vision for Space Exploration.
Space Systems Design
MIT proposed to help NASA in this endeavor by conducting a three year study of the requirements for this mission. MIT has the unique ability to bring both depth and breadth of research experience to this endeavor.
Included in this proposal is the incorporation of the project into the educational environment at MIT, specifically the graduate design class offered through the Aeronautics and Astronautics department.
In the spring of 2004 the graduate space systems design class investigated the problem of designing a sustainable space exploration system. The work performend in this class can be viewed through the full report or the executive summary. Both the final report and executive summary have annimations illustrating the baselinedesigns discussed.