Adaptive Space Station Technologies and Systems for a Lunar Surface Return Mission

Toups, Larry; Ximenes, Sam; ,

Adaptive Space Station Technologies and Systems for a Lunar Surface Return Mission

by Larry Toups, Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co, Houston, United States,
Sam Ximenes, Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co, Houston, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space IV

Abstract:

The current global economic climate, in particular that of the United States, has impacted all aspects of government spending. Wise use of existing, as well as near-term planned, assets are key to a prudent approach by which NASA and other U.S. government agencies can operate within these budget constraints. Conceptual studies for a proposed space station effort have been the focus for much of the aerospace industry over the last 5-10 years. Many worthwhile concepts and alternatives have been studied, with a substantial economic expenditure occurring in the area of technology research and development. The subject of this paper is to identify technologies under development for use in NASA's Space Station (SS) Program and discuss their potential applications in accomplishing a lunar surface return mission. A reference architecture for a lunar outpost, and the specific functional areas where these technologies could be applied are described. An emphasis is placed on subsystems required for habitability and crew operations. The areas of discussion are: 1) Identity of the specific technologies that are relevant for consideration; 2) an assessment of the stage of development of these technologies; and 3) the areas where modifications would be needed to utilize these technologies for a lunar return mission.

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