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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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The Moon offers a valuable platform for space sciences studies: (1) No atmosphere, (2) Farside is radio quiet. There is a compelling science program: (1) Cosmic dawn and the dark ages, (2) Particle acceleration and space weather. The technology and engineering development are making good progress. A staged roadmap with science and technology development at every step is presented.
The Space Eploration Initiative launched by the Bush Administration in May, 1990, will intensively explore alternative mission architectures involving the use of the moon as a staging post for manned exploration of Mars. The advanced technologies to be analyzed by the 'Pathfinder' program for prospective use in the alternative missions thus far defined encompass aerobraking, space-based chemical engines, cryogenic fluid systems, space nuclear power, nuclear-thermal and nuclear-electric propulsion, high-rate communications, and planetary photonics. Extensive use of robotics is anticipated in both the lunar and Martian components of the missions being studied.