NASA Exploration Roadmap: A return to the Moon’s surface documented

[Chris Bergin]

Via ESD Con Ops (March, 2012) document on L2:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/nasa-exploration-roadmap-return-moons-surface-documented/

Part 1 on up to the Moon, but an overall reference with Mars. Part 2 will be on NEAs.

[Spacely]

Great stuff. Exploration Gateway is innovative and exciting.

[A_M_Swallow]

The document mentions the Orion and SLS going to the ISS as a backup mission that the authors do not believe in.  However an ISS mission that would need the SLS is adding a module that masses more than about 30 metric tons.

Such a module could be a telescope.  For this example replacement solar arrays that provide sufficient power to permit the ISS to boost itself using ion thrusters, possible Hall effect or VISIMR thrusters.  The Orion can be used as the docking tug and to carry the astronauts that fit the arrays.

SLS payload to LEO = 70,000 kg
Orion = 21,250 kg
Fuel and reserve = 8,750

Arrays = 70,000 - 21,250 - 8,750 = 40,000 kg

Currently thin-film based arrays can achieve 1000 W/kg.
Allowing 20% for structure and wiring etc. use 800 W/kg

800 * 40,000 = 32,000,000 W

So a Orion and SLS mission to add 32 MW of solar arrays to the ISS is possible.

[HappyMartian]

"'Lunar Surface Sortie (LSS):  Lands four crew members on the surface of the Moon in the equatorial or Polar Regions and returns them to Earth,' noted the presentation."
From: NASA Exploration Roadmap: A return to the Moon’s surface documented  At: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/nasa-exploration-roadmap-return-moons-surface-documented/


Thank you Chris Bergin! You made a great day even better. Nice article!

Cheers!

[apace]

And with only one billion more budget for NASA, all this system can be developed in parallel so that we have them ready as SLS and Orion is ready... but :-/

[cycleroadie]

“Lunar Surface Sortie (LSS):  Lands four crew members on the surface of the Moon in the equatorial or Polar Regions and returns them to Earth,”

Now that's what I have been hoping for. I know we'll hear the same reasons of why to not go back to the moon. But the point is, this is doable in the "near" future, Mars or one of it's moons is way, way out there, and even a NEA is best to be tried AFTER we try out the equipment a little closer to home. This gets us BEO , it's a good first step out of earth's orbit.

Thanks Chris, you made my day also !!

[aquanaut99]

But the point is, this is doable in the "near" future, Mars or one of it's moons is way, way out there, and even a NEA is best to be tried AFTER we try out the equipment a little closer to home. This gets us BEO , it's a good first step out of earth's orbit.

But it requires a lander. Show me the money...

[Ben the Space Brit]

But the point is, this is doable in the "near" future, Mars or one of it's moons is way, way out there, and even a NEA is best to be tried AFTER we try out the equipment a little closer to home. This gets us BEO , it's a good first step out of earth's orbit.

But it requires a lander. Show me the money...

Well, if apace's post above is to be believed, then the approximate figure is known.  The real question is whether Congress really is willing to do this.

[apace]

Well, if apace's post above is to be believed, then the approximate figure is known.  The real question is whether Congress really is willing to do this.

The number was just an estimate without any knowledge ;-) don't count on my outsider knowledge ;-)

[cro-magnon gramps]

Chris this is a great article for having done it in the wee hours of the morning, really appreciate the dedication;
   I will resist going off postal, and just say, that I hope that the rank and file choir, can get the boss management preachers on board, and take it to TPTB who need persuading that it is in the National Interests to fund it appropriately; here's hoping, Cheers

Gramps

[Chris Bergin]

Thanks guys!

 I threw various lander graphics into the article, as they certainly haven't picked one. This is mission DRM baselining. "Altair Redux" was something mentioned by the exploration guys, but I couldn't add that to the article, as it wasn't written down in documentation.

[Hodapp]

Thanks Chris for the glimmerings of hope!
Logic seems to be coming back to NASA!
Moon, Asteroid, then Mars!

Now if only we can get a stable budget!  I say 25 billion/year for NASA and then leave them alone for a long time!

[phred]

Is there any indication of what they want to DO on the Moon?  I'm guessing that ambitious science projects would dictate a lot about the capabilities of the lander.

I wish they would construct the DALI telescope, but that's daydreaming.

[Chris Bergin]

Thanks Hodapp!

Is there any indication of what they want to DO on the Moon?  I'm guessing that ambitious science projects would dictate a lot about the capabilities of the lander.

I wish they would construct the DALI telescope, but that's daydreaming.

Not seen any specifics at this time, other than the duration etc.

[Jeff Lerner]

"....As listed in the Con Ops, this mission – based on just SLS related hardware – would involve two Block 1A SLS vehicles, launching 121 days apart. The first SLS would launch the Lunar Lander, with a Block 1 CPS, followed by the second SLS launching a crew of four on Orion for a 19 day mission, with seven days on the Moon...."


I don't understand the "launching 121 days apart"...does the lunar lander sit in Earth orbit for 121 days waiting for the Orion to launch, rendezview, dock and depart to the Moon for the 19 day mission ??