Introduction to the Rockwell Integrated Space Plan
The Rockwell Integrated Space Plan (ISP) is a visionary document created by aerospace engineer Ron Jones in the 1980s while working at Rockwell International. It outlines a comprehensive 100-year strategy for human space exploration and settlement, from Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The plan is structured as a detailed flow chart, mapping out key milestones, technologies, and missions necessary for achieving large-scale human habitation of Mars and transforming humans into an intergalactic species.
Origins and Development
Ron Jones began sketching the ISP as a flow chart, integrating insights from various NASA long-range studies, including the National Commission on Space’s report and the Ride report to the NASA Administrator[1][2]. The original plan was incredibly complex, resembling a circuit diagram filled with boxes and arrows, with the main flow running down the center to represent the critical path of developments essential for Mars settlement[1]. Over the years, Jones refined the plan, and after corporate mergers, he continued this work at Boeing. In 2014, a group of space enthusiasts, including Jones and entrepreneur Ari Wittner, rediscovered the ISP and launched a Kickstarter campaign to update it. The redesigned version, released in 2015, features a cleaner visual style with color-coding and pictograms[1][3].
Key Goals and Milestones
The ISP outlines several key phases and milestones in its 100-year timeline:
- Establishment of Routine Access to Space: This involves the continued operation of the Space Shuttle and the development of new space stations in the 1990s.
- Lunar Exploration and Settlement: The plan calls for establishing permanent lunar bases and conducting initial Mars expeditions in the 2010s.
- Mars Exploration and Habitation: Extensive lunar settlement, Mars base construction, and asteroid mining are planned for the 2020s-2040s. Permanent Mars settlements and the beginnings of terraforming are envisioned for the latter half of the 21st century.
- Solar System Expansion: The ultimate goal is to spread human presence throughout the solar system by 2100, achieving large-scale human habitation of Mars and transforming humans into an intergalactic species.
Structure and Interpretation
The ISP can be read both chronologically from top to bottom and horizontally across columns. The vertical elements are phased in to support centerline milestones, while reading across columns provides the total scope of required activities within a given time period[2][4]. Arrowed lines depict evolutionary, supporting, or synergistic relationships, and double-arrowed lines represent communication/data links. Large bubbles on the chart symbolize plateaus of human achievement attainable through comprehensive execution of the plan’s elements[2].
Impact and Legacy
Despite many of its specific milestones remaining unmet, the ISP has been influential in promoting a systemic, multi-decade approach to space exploration. It serves as an enduring source of inspiration for space agencies and companies refining their long-term plans for crewed missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond[1]. The plan’s emphasis on incremental development and interdependent steps has contributed to discussions about the necessity of sustained efforts in space exploration.
Modern Developments
The ISP has evolved over time, with updates and reinterpretations aimed at making it more accessible to a modern audience. The 2015 version includes an interactive website, allowing users to explore different parts of the plan in detail[3]. This crowdsourced approach has helped keep the ISP relevant, encouraging participation in shaping humanity’s trajectory into space.
More Details:
The Rockwell Integrated Space Plan (ISP) is a comprehensive document that outlines numerous topics and milestones for human space exploration and development. Here is a list of some of the key topics and elements included in the plan:
1. Establishment of Routine Access to Space:
- Continued operation of the Space Shuttle
- Development of new space stations
- Reliable space transportation systems
2. Lunar Exploration and Settlement:
- Return-to-Moon missions
- Establishment of a lunar outpost
- Development of a self-supporting lunar base
- Lunar orbit staging facilities (LOS/F)
3. Mars Exploration and Habitation:
- Initial Mars landing and human outpost establishment
- Expansion of Mars bases to self-supporting status
- Phobos and Deimos mining operations
4. Asteroid Mining:
- Commencement of asteroid mining operations
5. Solar System Expansion:
- Exploration of Venus
- Transformation activities on Venus
- Large-scale human occupation of Mars
- Spread of human presence throughout the solar system by 2100
6. Technological Advancements:
- Development of advanced propulsion systems
- Space solar power satellites
- Surface-to-space “elevator” transportation systems
- Advanced laser communication networks
7. Infrastructure Development:
- International spaceport
- Expanded space stations
- In-space transportation nodes
- Orbital maneuvering vehicles
8. Robotic Exploration:
- Robotic precursor missions to Mars and the outer solar system
9. Terraforming and Environmental Modification:
- Terraforming Mars
- Creating new moons for Mars if required
10. Space-Based Solar Power:
- Satellite solar power stations.
11. In-Space Manufacturing and Recycling:
- Plant and animal research laboratories
- In-orbit manufacturing facilities
12. Communication and Data Links:
- Advanced communication networks
- Tracking data relay satellites
13. Earth-Based Support Systems:
- Space launch complexes
- Solid rocket boosters
14. Interstellar Exploration:
- Emergence of humans as an intragalactic species
- Interstellar traversing world ships
These topics are interconnected and form a comprehensive roadmap for advancing human capabilities in space over a century. The plan emphasizes the importance of incremental development and interdependent steps to achieve long-term space exploration goals.
Conclusion
The Rockwell Integrated Space Plan represents a visionary blueprint for humanity’s future in space, emphasizing the importance of a long-term, systematic approach to achieving ambitious space exploration goals. While its original timeline may not have been fully realized due to problems the designer may not have been aware of, like the officially not admitted (2025) apparent actual severe levels of radiation which prevent human space travel beyond low Earth orbit, the ISP nevertheless continues to inspire and guide contemporary space development strategies. With AI designed super radiation shielding materials and strategies, this inspiring plan may one day move into the realm of possibilities.
Read More
[1] https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2024/06/17/the-rockwell-integrated-space-plan-a-100-year-vision-for-humanitys-future-in-space/
[2] https://makezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/integratedspaceplan2.pdf
[3] https://www.space.com/30509-integrated-space-plan-crowdsourcing-future.html
[4] https://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/spaceflight/integrated-space-plan/
[5] https://makezine.com/article/craft/the-rockwell-integrated-space-plan-vector-redux-version/
[6] https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19710011977/downloads/19710011977.pdf
[7] https://archive.org/details/rockwellintegrat00unse
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/4u91hy/the_rockwell_integrated_space_plan_made_in_the/
[9] https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/topic/98977-kisp-kaa-integrated-space-plan-a-vision-of-the-future-of-kerbalkind/
[10] https://www.leonarddavid.com/unfolding-the-space-future-dream-team-sparks-kickstarter-effort/
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/4u91hy/the_rockwell_integrated_space_plan_made_in_the/