My vision is that the next lunar lander would have about three times the payload capacity of the original LM. This would allow the ascent stage to still be small enough and light enough to lift as the payload of a manned orbiter mission. Thes descent stage would launch independently. (This would fit into a developmental plan for more permanent infrastructure). The key is that it could then support a 4 person mission. The interior would be divided so that 2 teams of two could operate during alternative shifts. This would maximize the use of stay time while still avoiding a 'High Noon' heat situation on early missions. With three times the payload, having two redundant rovers might be the cheapest solution. They could drive both out on the first trip and then arc one around at the walk-back limit while extending beyond that radius with the second. but I would support the ideas mentioned for extending oxygen and battery backups too.
Space/Science » in reply to I wonder if this might be a contingency that Lunar explorers may adopt?
Four Lunar explorers
The whole thread (43 posts)
- I wonder if this might be a contingency that Lunar explorers may adopt?
- Re: Rescue
- Four Lunar explorers
- a layman's (probably worthless) observation
- There may be a simplier idea
- Why would an electric powered golf cart break down?