A "centaur" robot.

The Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) develops new technologies that will enable NASA to conduct future human exploration missions, while reducing mission risk and cost. The primary customers of the ETDP are the designers of flight systems in the Constellation Systems Program. By maturing new technologies to the level of demonstration in a relevant environment early enough to support a flight system's Preliminary Design Review (PDR), NASA can significantly reduce both cost and risk. ETDP is currently maturing near-term technologies to enable first flight of the Orion in 2014, and developing long-lead technologies needed for the lunar exploration missions no later than 2020.



Exploration Technology Development Program Projects



The projects in the ETDP were formulated to address the high priority technology needs for lunar exploration identified by the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), with further refinement by the Lunar Architecture Team (LAT). All technology projects are managed at NASA Centers.

Structures, Materials, and Mechanisms


This mechanisms. Lightweight composite and inflatable structures will reduce the mass of project develops technologies for lightweight vehicle and habitat structures and low-temperature what is launched, in addition to lowering cost. Low-temperature mechanisms will allow rovers and other equipment to operate in the colder, shadowed craters at the lunar poles.

Protection Systems


This project is developing a prototype, human-rated, ablative heat shield for Orion (the crew vehicle); advanced thermal protection system materials; and technologies for protecting lunar surface systems from the adverse effects of lunar dust