NASA unveils exploration strategy, lunar architecture

[kane007]

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 />

 

[trailrider]

I suppose the phrase, "Better late than never!" might apply here, but I sure wish we hadn't wasted 34 years (since Apollo 17 lifted off the Moon) in getting to this point! <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /> <br /><br />Hopefully, I'll be able to read and watch about it! Maybe my grandchildren will be interested enough to get involved.<br /><br />Ad Luna! Ad Ares! Ad Astra!

 

[docm]

About d***ed time. Let's refine that Lockheed "Eagle" lander & get on with it. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[holmec]

FINALLY!!!<br /><br /><img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#0000ff"><em>"SCE to AUX" - John Aaron, curiosity pays off</em></font></p> </div>

 

[no_way]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>Talking computers, flying cars, space colonies, where are they?<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br />Except for talking computers, firmly fixed at about "decade from now in the future". ESAS takes a bold step and pushes it even farther out. Is anyone getting excited ?

 

[dreada5]

Might not be that far away on flying cars.... maybe <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EmDrive

 

[christine16]

yah finally!!! <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[radarredux]

If you look at Slide 17 in the NASA presentation<br />http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/163896main_Exploration-LAT_Briefing_120406.pdf<br /><br />you will see that of the overall vision of possibilities for the Moon, NASA is committing to a very small part of the vision (those highlighted in blue).<br /><br />At one level, this seems to be a reason Griffin wants to finish building out ISS even if he isn't fond of it. If Griffin wants others to breakout their checkbook for all these other parts of the Moon vision, NASA better not stiff them too badly with the ISS.<br /><br />At another level, this slides indicates to me that NASA will not so much be seeing itself as "the one and only space program" for the US, but as the catalyst that provides core capabilities and services (e.g., delivering cargo to the Lunar surface) for an overall space industry.

 

[publiusr]

Great Nes. Now if the Glenn Becks, the Katie Courics and the other anti-spacers would just go tango uniform like Proxmire did last year.