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Lunar lander configuration study and parametric performance analysisFuture Lunar exploration plans will call for delivery of significant mounts or cargo to provide for crew habitation, surface tansportation, and scientific exploration activities. Minimization of costly surface based infrastructure is in large part directly related to the design of the cargo delivery/landing craft. This study focused on evaluating Lunar lander concepts from a logistics oriented perspective, and outlines the approach used in the development of a preferred configuration, sets forth the benefits derived from its utilization and describes the missions and system considered. Results indicate that only direct-to-surface downloading of payloads provides for unassisted cargo removal operations imperative to efficient and low risk site buildup, including the emplacement of Space Station derivative surface habitat modules, immediate cargo jettison for both descent abort and emergency surface ascent essential to piloted missions carrying cargo, and short habitat egress/ingress paths necessary to productive surface work tours for crew members carrying hand held experiments, tools and other bulky articles. Accommodating cargo in a position underneath the vehicles structural frame, landing craft described herein eliminate altogether the necessity for dedicated surface based off-loading vehicles, the operations and maintenance associated with their operation, and the precipitous ladder climbs to and from the surface that are inherent to traditional designs. Parametric evaluations illustrate performance and mass variation with respect to mission requirements.
Document ID
19930066130
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Donahue, Benjamin B.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Fowler, C. R.
(Boeing Defense & Space Group Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1993
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-2354
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, SAE, ASME, and ASEE, Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit
Location: Monterey, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 28, 1993
End Date: June 30, 1993
Sponsors: ASEE, ASME, SAE, AIAA
Accession Number
93A50127
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-37857
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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