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SpaceFlight Now 2006/12/04 <br /><br />Initial elements of the Global Exploration Strategy and a proposed U.S. lunar architecture released by NASA Monday. NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, emphasises a multinational approach. The Global Exploration Strategy deals with the why - “Why we are returning to the moon and what we plan to do when we get there.” Whereas the lunar architecture deals with the how - “How humans might accomplish the mission of exploring the moon.”<br /><br />The proposed lunar architecture calls for robotic precursor missions designed to support the human mission. These precursors include landing site reconnaissance, natural resource assays and technology risk reduction for the human lander.<br /><br />The first manned mission would begin by 2020. As currently envisioned, an incremental buildup would begin with four-person crews making several seven-day visits to the moon until their power supplies, rovers and living quarters are operational. NASA's Lunar Architecture Team concluded that the most advantageous approach is to develop a solar-powered lunar base and to locate it near one of the poles of the moon. Then NASA could begin 180-day missions to prepare for journeys to Mars.<br /><br />Both the Global Exploration Strategy and NASA's lunar architecture will be discussed in depth at the second Space Exploration Conference, Dec. 4-6, at the George R. Brown Convention Centre in Houston.<br /><br /><br />