2020 — Deep Space Laboratory

November 16, 2020

Authors: David Smitherman, Justin Rowe, Debra Hurwitz, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Introduction: The Deep Space Laboratory uses the payload capability of the Space Launch System (SLS) to place new laboratory capabilities more capable than the International Space Station in orbit in one launch. It’s size is the same diameter as the SLS, utilizing the tooling from that system to form a large volume habitat designed for deep space operation. It is envisioned to be a support facility at the Gateway in orbit around the moon to serve as a research and testing station for in-situ resource utilization and the initial examination of samples from the moon and Mars adding an additional layer of planetary protection between worlds.

Also available online at:

NASA Technical Report Server: https://sti.nasa.gov/

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/book/10.2514/MASCEND20