IN THE NEXT DECADE WE’LL BE BACK ON THE MOON BUT THIS TIME TO STAY

As part of its Vision for Space Exploration, NASA is dedicated to the goal of returning to the moon before 2020. The initial sortie missions will last up to seven days, performing science investigations, resource utilization experiments and technology demonstrations on the surface, before safely returning the crew to Earth.  As the buildup of the outpost infrastructure is taking place, mission duration would continue to be extended – from initial outpost missions spanning an entire lunar day (28 Earth days), to permanent crew rotations that eventually would grow to six months on the lunar surface and longer. Lunar crewmembers will embark upon missions to the moon’s surface that will uncover more of the moon’s mysteries, teach us how to use lunar resources, and gather information to aid in one of NASA’s long term goals of sending humans to Mars.

Lunar sortie missions of up to seven days will be conducted from a lunar-lander that will include a habitable crew cabin that will support a short surface-stay on the moon. The lander will provide a small habitable area with basic galley, waste collection, sleep berths, stowage and medical care capabilities

The plan is to locate the lunar living and working quarters in a mile wide crater near the north pole so that it is protected from solar radiation. A number of inflatable modules will be arranged connecting to each other. These units will be almost completely self-sustaining. All waste will be totally recycled, crops grown in special greenhouses, even fish will be farmed for protein. Power will be generated from solar panels and mirrors. Lunar vehicles, similar to the old “moon-buggies from the seventies,” will provide transportation for exploration. There is so much to learn in this next generation of space exploration and we hope that the old-will-to-explore will be with us again. What excitement will be generated and many nations will participate this time!