Constellation Systems

Named after the patterns that stars form in the night sky, Constellation Systems at NASA HQ Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) is responsible for developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and related exploration architecture elements. Like the Apollo Command and Service Module, the CEV represents one building block in a future exploration architecture that can send astronauts to the moon and form the basis for exploration missions to other destinations. Presently, the Vision for Space Exploration sets a goal of developing a new CEV by 2014 that is capable of carrying astronauts beyond low Earth orbit with a goal of landing astronauts on the moon no later than 2020. Activities are currently underway to expedite the development of the CEV, and to enable the CEV to dock onto the International Space Station (ISS). These activities will reduce the time gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet, presently planned for 2010, and the availability of a United States CEV capable of taking astronauts to the ISS. This new direction represents a major change within the Constellation Systems, which is the subject of a recently initiated Exploration Systems Architecture Study effort at the agency level.

In addition to the CEV, Constellation Systems is made up of In-Space Transportation Systems (ISTS) including the Earth Departure Stage (EDS) and Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM), In-Space Systems (InSS) including Communications and Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking (ARD), Destination Support Systems (DSS) including Mobility Systems, Surface Power, and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), Launch Vehicles including Crew and Cargo launch vehicles, and Ground Support Systems. In parallel with the development of human exploration systems, Robotic Precursor Systems (RPS) will be developed to serve as trailblazers to reduce the cost and risks of future human exploration of moon and Mars.

Crew Exploration Vehicle

The Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) is the spacecraft that provides transportation for the crew to and from space. It does not include the launch vehicle required to boost the spacecraft into orbit. The CEV will initially operate in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), and includes subsystems for functions such as crew survival during ascent, environmental control and life support, communications, navigation and control, power, thermal control, thermal protection, radiation protection, propulsion, docking, and recovery.

Crew Launch Vehicles

The Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) is the part of the human-rated launch system that delivers the CEV to LEO. The CLV includes the launch vehicle stages and subsystems such as tanks and plumbing, supporting structures, propulsion, controls, communications, and power. Also, it encompasses any CLV-specific launch support infrastructure. This element also includes all engineering, design, development, production, assembly, and test efforts to deliver the completed and qualified CLV, as well as the necessary unique support equipment to test, process, certify, transport, and operate the vehicle.