Minimal support technology and in situ resource utilization for risk management of planetary spaceflight missions Original Research Article

[Function]∼[ERU]∗[RUIS]∗[ISR]/[DR];where [ERU] efficiency (rate) of environmental resource utilization [RUIS] resource utilization infrastructure [ISR] in situ resources [DR] degradation rate None of the technologies required to significantly reduce the risk for critical systems are currently available at acceptable readiness levels. Long term interplanetary missions require that space programs produce a craft with all systems integrated so that they are of the highest reliability. Right now, with current technologies, we cannot guarantee this reliability for a crew of six for 1000 days to Mars and back. Investigation of the technologies to answer this need and a focus of resources and research on their advancement would significantly improve chances for a safe and successful mission.