A manned lunar outpost. Design considerations for three key elements in an initial manned lunar outpost

The Initial Manned Lunar Outpost (IMLO) is proposed as the initial permanent base for manned activities on the Moon. The study concentrated on identifying the equipment, support systems, and initial base configuration necessary to accomplish the various science, industrial and exploration activities planned. The primary concepts of the MLO were the use of hard modules for habitation areas creating a flexible, modular transportation system; designing a multi-functional vehicle; and using an overhead radiation protection system. The transportation system, dubbed the Lunar Mobile Surface Transport System (LMSTS), carries the hard modules to the surface of the moon and provides a method to move them to the desired location through the use of interchangeable pallets. The avionics pallets are changed-out with wheel and hitch pallets, transforming the LMSTS into a "tractor trailer" used with the Multi-Functional Vehicle (MFV). The modules are placed under the Regolith Support Structure (RSS) which provides a stable environment and radiation protection for the entire base. The overhead structure was chosen over simply burying the modules to provide a study on the advantages and disadvantages of this type of system. The advantages include easy access to the exterior of the modules, providing a protected area for vehicles and equipment used in EVA, and creating an area of constant temperature. Disadvantages include a need for prefabrication of structural components, including the preconstruction and construction phases of the initial MLO. The design approach taken considered existing and near-term materials and technology only, without the consideration of possible future building technologies.