then we are going to have to get away from the "use and lose" philosophy of designing hardware. Throwing away 90% of our hardware after one use isn't going to get us anything more than flags and footprints. The CEV should be a robust craft that can be used for years on end, and even with such a system, some parts will need to be returned back to Earth for maintenance and refurbishment.

I would build the CEV to resemble the flying crane configuration of the Eagles from Space 1999. They would haul equipment, supplies, and personnel to and from a space station in LEO and the lunar surface. Instead of throwing equipment away as it breaks down, it could be returned to a station in LEO, then needed supplies could be carried back on the return flight. The equipment in need of repair would be stored at the station until a shuttle supply mission could take it back to Earth on its flight home.

Components Of A Robust Space Infrastructure

1. Heavy Lift Launcher

2. Shuttle

3. Space Station (In the proper orbit)

4. LEO/Lunar Transport (CEV)