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The Moon as a way station for planetary explorationThe Moon can be on the pathway to the exploration of other planets in the solar system in three distinct ways: science, systems and technology experience, and as a fuel depot. The most important of these from the point of view of near term potential is to provide systems and technology development that increases capability and reduces the cost and risk of Mars exploration. The development of capability for a lunar program, if planned properly, can significantly influence strategies for sending humans to Mars. In conclusion, the exploration of the Moon should come before the exploration of Mars. This is a statement of developmental and operational logic that is almost self evident. Technological advancement could, however, make a different strategy reasonable. Principally, the development of a propulsion capability that could substantially reduce round trip mission times to Mars (to say 6 to 12 months) could eliminate much of the argument that the Moon is an essential stepping stone. This would reduce the problem to one of similitude with current space station program concepts. However, for any reasonably near term program, such technology does not appear likely to be available. Thus, the answer remains that lunar exploration should come first, and the expectation that it will make Mars exploration much more affordable and safe. The use of lunar propellant in an Earth-Mars transportation system is not practical with current propulsion systems; however, the discovery of caches of water ice at a lunar pole could change considerably the strategy for utilization of lunar resources in planetary exploration.
Document ID
19950027035
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Duke, M. B.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: ESA, International Lunar Workshop: Towards a World Strategy for the Exploration and Utilisation of Our Natural Satellite
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
95N33456
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
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