Mission analysis and phased development of a lunar base

Planned activities at a manned lunar base can be categorized as supporting one or more of three possible objectives: scientific research, exploitation of lunar resources for use in building a space infrastructure, or attainment of self-sufficiency in the lunar environment as a first step in planetary habitation. Scenarios constructed around each of the three goals have many common elements, particularly in the early phases. In addition, the process of constructing the scenario clearly demonstrated that later phases were critically dependent on technologies, systems, and elements developed during the early phases. The cost and the complexity of the base, as well as the structure of the Space Transportation System, are functions of the chosen long-term strategy. A real lunar base will manifest some combination of characteristics from these idealized end members.