Re: Thanks for The Corrections
Yes D5 was a typo for D4.
The "modular" scenario with D4 seems unfeasible to me. Each payload would be of the same modest size as the lander and require much construction on limited life support to make a hab. This falls squarely in the theoretically possible to impossibe realm and far outside a practical approach.
The nickel and diming issue is one we are both trying to address in different ways. I say go for the gold ring and skip all the slow piddling intermediate steps. You say go for the bronze and skip all the slow piddling intermediate steps. I don't think going for the bronze will get us the gold or even keep the bronze. I think going for the gold will get the bronze as well and is more likely to let us keep both.
Regards,
Mark