In a potential marriage of the Space Launch System (SLS) with a central exploration plan, a Boeing-authored presentation has proposed an Exploration Gateway Platform architecture that not only returns man to the lunar surface \u2013 via the use of only one SLS launch to a reusable Lunar Lander \u2013 but provides a baseline for pathfinders towards an eventual crewed mission to Mars.<\/p>\n
Lunar Surface Option:<\/p>\n
Created under what turned out to be an expansive amount of evaluations at the Global Exploration Workshop in November, Boeing\u2019s Moon Mission Concept with a re-usable Lunar lander has raise eyebrows in internal circles.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Z2.jpg\" "\\"Z2\\"")
Using a Global Exploration Roadmap, the approach utilizes \u201cNear term focus on guiding capabilities, technologies and leveraging ISS,\u201d prior to expanding to \u201cLong term focus (on) Discovery Driven \u2013 and Enhanced by \u2013 Emerging Technologies\u201d.<\/p>\n
While such talk has been heard before, during the continued lack of an exploration roadmap that can provide any real definition, the presentation makes the jump towards a mission goal which has seen its stock raised over recent months, one which involves the crewed return to the Lunar Surface, as the opening prime exploration mission for NASA.<\/p>\n
Currently, Orion\u2019s opening two missions via the Space Launch System (SLS) are Lunar flights, but ones which do not result in footsteps on the Moon\u2019s surface. The first uncrewed mission is scheduled to launch in 2017, followed by a crewed Apollo 8-style mission, officially manifested for 2021, as much as work is continuing to push this mission to the left by at least two years.<\/p>\n
This will mark the first time humans have ventured out of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for decades.<\/p>\n
Work is continuing \u2013 under the leadership of former Space Shuttle Program (SSP) manager John Shannon \u2013 on an exploration roadmap, of which there are no official details. Rumors of some sort of a plan being revealed in November are now likely related to the workshop, as opposed to a much-wanted centralized plan.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/B431.jpg\" "\\"B431\\"")
However, the same source information (L2) did note the November meeting would include proposals from advocates of a Lunar landing mission in the early 2020\u2032s \u2013 known unofficially as \u2013 Lunar Surface First \u2013 as has turned out to be the reality.<\/p>\n
Returning to the Lunar surface \u2013 which would follow after SLS-1 and SLS-2 \u2013 was the initial stepping stone for the now-defunct Vision for Space Exploration (VSE), centered around Ares, Orion and the Altair lunar lander.<\/p>\n
The current plan is vague, with references to a Near Earth Object (NEO) mission in the mid 2020s, on a path to crewed missions to Mars in the 2030s. However, documentation now exists, based around a crewed return to the moon as part of an ambitious plan put forward under the Boeing banner.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Z3.jpg\" "\\"Z3\\"")
Central to the plan is a deep space platform, known as a gateway, located at Earth-Moon Lagrange (EML) point 1 or 2, after being built from pre-launched hardware, providing the host station for a reusable Lunar Lander \u2013 which would also be launched by the SLS Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV).<\/p>\n
The Gateway would first be constructed at the ISS, mainly using the Node 4\/DHS (Docking Hub System), an orbiter external airlock, an MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) habitat module, and an international module.<\/p>\n
Such a concept was previously overviewed in August, showing how the existing hardware would be launched to the ISS \u2013 using Atlas launch vehicles in the example cited \u2013 prior to full assembly using ISS assets such as the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Z4.jpg\" "\\"Z4\\"")
Once constructed, a space tug \u2013 powered either by solar electric or chemical \u2013 would be utilized to raise the platform to the EML point. Such a proposal claims to be ready for the arrival of crewed missions via the SLS by 2022 \u2013 as much as any timeline would be based on the readiness and evolvability of the SLS.<\/p>\n
\u201cA Gateway at EML1 or EML2 allows re-usability of the lunar lander which saves money and enhances development of the ultra-reliable systems needed for Mars,\u201d noted the November presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur concept lander is much smaller than Altair; Dry mass of 7t, wet mass of 15t (Altair was ~45t wet). The propulsion system is designed to be re-fuelable LOX\/Methane.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/A65.jpg\" "\\"A65\\"")
EML-1 is a preferred point, based on previous documentation, such as the 726 page HLV \u201cfinal\u201d assessment presentation (available on L2) \u2013 which mainly covers the use of a Sidemount HLV, as much as it covers the now confirmed In-line configuration \u2013 via a section called the \u201cOpen Architecture \u2013 NASA Crew Elements and Commercial Propellant example, showing \u201cL1 Enables Anywhere, Anytime, Global Access.\u201d<\/p>\n
HLV capabilities for higher energy missions beyond LEO were examined. This required the use of upper stages. Existing stages from Delta IV and Atlas V and new stage designs using RL-10B2 (existing), RL-60 and J-2X LOX\/LH2 rocket engines (as now chosen) were used to estimate payloads to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, Geosynchronous Orbit, Trans-Lunar Injection and to the Earth-Moon L1 point,\u201d the presentation noted.<\/p>\n
For SLS\/HLV Articles, click here: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/tag\/hlv\/<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/A731.jpg\" "\\"A731\\"")
This use of EML-1 related to the launch of a single HLV, carrying a depot to be refuelled using commercial vehicles, reducing the mass required to launch from Earth\u2019s surface on a Lunar or deep space mission via \u201cdry\u201d \u2013 and potentially reusable \u2013 landers.<\/p>\n
\u201cA propellant depot at the Earth-Moon L1 point would significantly improve lunar and deep space exploration mission operations by providing an infrastructure capability for deep space transportation and by opening up participation to international partners and commercial vehicles. This propellant depot outside of Earth gravity well would act as a refuelling station for spacecraft on the way to the lunar surface or Mars,\u201d added the presentation.<\/p>\n
Such a plan would result in SLS with an EDS (Earth Departure Stage) delivering Orion and a dry lunar lander to L1. The dry lunar lander would be loaded with 25mt of propellants at the depot to complete the lunar phase of its mission. Dry launch of the LSAM element to L1 would dramatically reduce the spacecraft weight constraints, permitting more flexible and robust operational capabilities to be designed into the lander.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Z7.jpg\" "\\"Z7\\"")
While the main focus of a fuel depot would be angled towards a broader use of propellent refueling \u2013 in effect a gas station in space where fuel would be stored in-situ \u2013 the November presentation takes a secondary approach, by having a ready to use platform already at L1, with fuel for the lander arriving via the SLS ready for immediate transfer.<\/p>\n
In fact, the first customer to arrive at the platform would likely be the dry lander, while the gateway station was still located at the ISS, prior to the entire stack being sent into deep space via a tug.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommissioning crew flies with the lander to the platform,\u201d added the presentation. \u201cFlight test program in the vicinity of the ISS-EP is used to prepare the lander for it\u2019s first landing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once all the hardware is in place at EML-1, the presentation claims there is potential for a single SLS to carry out a full lunar surface mission, as much as the key will be on the evolution of the SLS\u2019 third stage.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Z5.jpg\" "\\"Z5\\"")
In essence, the potential scenario calls for: The launch of the station\/gateway platform to Earth-Moon L1 or L2, via a space tug, following assembly at the ISS. Potentially the launch of a reusable LOX\/methane lander to the L1\/2 Gateway \u2013 as much as it\u2019s likely the lander would be sent to the gateway whilst it was still at the ISS. The Launch of the SLS with an Orion and a modified Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) to the Gateway.<\/p>\n
The scenario then calls for the use first burn of DCSS to stop at Gateway and dock, where it would transfer LOX and methane from DCSS to lander \u2013 with the methane stored in an extra tank in-between LOX and LH2. The mission would then be initiated, with a lunar landing using the DCSS to inject to the Moon, with around three DCSS burns being utilized.<\/p>\n
The crew would then return to Gateway Platform in the lander, transfer themselves over to the berthed Orion, and return to Earth with a burn from Orion\u2019s SM. It should be noted that all of the key elements would likely be refined prior to a complete plan, as noted in the presentations operational considerations.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Z6.jpg\" "\\"Z6\\"")
However, one of the key benefits of this approach is noted as the saving of potentially billions of dollars to carry out such recurring missions, while \u201cunique science opportunities at L1 Deep-space human exploration analogs exist at L1. (Provides) support for deep-space human exploration missions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal for recurring operations should be to deliver the crew and all fuel for the lander in a single SLS launch,\u201d added the presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SLS third stage acts as the descent stage for the lander and performs the lunar orbit injection burn as well as most of the lunar descent burn. This allows for the most efficient use of propellant because the high energy LOX\/LH2 third stage is used immediately after it gets to L2 and long term storage of LH2 is not required,<\/p>\n
\u201cThe expensive crew cabin and ascent stages are reused for multiple missions saving billions of dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other benefits of a gateway platform are also cited in the overview, such as the potential for telerobotic control of hardware on the lunar surface, the launching of lunar habs to the Moon\u2019s surface, and further references to using this baseline to ramp up towards Mars missions.<\/p>\n
(Images: Via L2 content, driven by L2\u2032s fast exapanding SLS specific L2 section, which includes, presentations, videos, graphics and internal updates on the SLS and HLV, available on no other site. Other images via Boeing and NASA.)<\/p>\n
(L2 is \u2013 as it has been for the past several years \u2013 providing full exclusive SLS coverage, available no where else on the internet. To join L2, click here: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/l2\/)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In a potential marriage of the Space Launch System (SLS) with a central exploration plan, a Boeing-authored presentation has proposed an Exploration Gateway Platform architecture that not only returns man to the lunar surface \u2013 via the use of only one SLS launch to a reusable Lunar Lander \u2013 but provides a baseline for pathfinders […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29990,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[419,9034,233,625,624],"class_list":["post-40263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-gateway","tag-hlv","tag-iss","tag-moon","tag-sls"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40263"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40263"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40263\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}