Lunar lander conceptual design: Lunar base systems study task 2.2

Abstract

This study is a first look at the problem of building a lunar lander to support a small lunar surface base. One lander, which can land 25 metric tons, one way, or take a 6 metric ton crew capsule up and down is desired. A series of trade studies are used to narrow the choices and provide some general guidelines. Given a rough baseline, the systems are then reviewed. A conceptual design is then produced. The process was only carried through one iteration. Many more iterations are needed. Assumptions and groundrules are considered.