This PDF shows a program overview for NASA’s Vision of Space Exploration which includes the goals, forecasts, organisation layout, and timelines set
out by the U.S. Office of Exploration Systems for the periods between 2004 through to 2020.
Plans initially begin with proposed robotic explorations to the Moon followed by Mars and then on to other planets in our solar system. The tail-end
of the project would see human explorations across the solar system in search of life, resources and revenue through commercial opportunities, with
robotics and advance-telescopes searching further afield. Power and Propulsion systems are mentioned along with Project names such as Project
Prometheus & Project Constellation.
"The fundamental goals outlined include advancing U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests through a robust space exploration
program".
Timeline included:
- Assemble the International Space Station (ISS) and focus research to support exploration goals (understanding environment and countermeasures
- Meet foreign commitments?
- Undertake lunar exploration (to support sustained human and robotic exploration to Mars and beyond).
- 2008 Launch first of a series of robotic missions to the Moon in preparation for human exploration.
- 2009-10 robotic missions to lunar surface.
- 2011 first unmanned Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) flight.
- 2012-15 Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO)/Prometheus (nuclear system/population program).
- 2014 first crewed CEV flight, capability for manned spaceflight.
- 2015-20 a manned expedition to the lunar surface as early as 2015 but no later than 2020.
- Conduct robotic exploration of Mars to prepare for future expeditions.
- Conduct robotic exploration across solar system to search for life, understand history, and recover resources.
- Conduct advanced-telescope searches for habitable environments around other stars.
- Conduct human expedition of Mars.
- Develop a new crew exploration vehicle with flight test before end of decade. Human exploration capability by 2014.
- Pursue international participation.
- Pursue commercial opportunity for transport and other services.
