And if the crew assigned to man the deep-space mission travels up separately to the station, it would also mean all the elements for their long-duration flight could be launched without the complications of ultra-safe abort systems that complicate manned rockets.

BBC: Manned flight around Moon considered

"Robotics is playing a key role aboard the International Space Station and will be critical in our future human exploration of deep space, " said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program.

ENGADGET: NASA and IHMC building X1 exoskeleton to give us a lift, keep us fit in space and on Earth

International Space Station: Given the actual space station ISS, would it be cheaper to build the equivalent at 3-4-5 miles deep underwater?

FORBES: Why Don't We Spend More On Exploring The Oceans, Rather Than On Space Exploration?