International Space Exploration Coordination Group

Human Exploration
of the Lunar Surface

Ryan Whitley (NASA JSC)

and
Markus Landgraf (ESA/ESTEC)
for the

International Architecture Working Group

Future In-Space Operations Telecon

September 20, 2017
Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Human Exploration in Cislunar Space

The Mission Scenario chart from GER2 notionally connects the Gateway (labeled
as the Evolvable Deep Space Habitat) and the lunar surface scenarios together.
Thus the IAWG sought to address the question:
How would the Gateway be used to support human lunar surface missions?
Potential functions for the Gateway in a lunar surface scenario include:
1 Storage and refueling of a ISECG&Mission&Scenario&
reusable ascent module 2020 2030
Low-Earth Orbit
2 Safe haven for crew International Space Station

Commercial or Government-Owned Platforms

Robotic Mission
Human Mission
aborting from the surface Beyond Low-Earth Orbit
Test Missions
Cargo Mission

3 Communications relay to Rosetta Hayabusa-2

(Sample Return)
OSIRIS-REx
(Sample Return)
Asteroid Redirection
Explore Near Earth Asteroid
Near-Earth Objects Apophis

Earth from the lunar far Extended

Duration
Staging Post for Crew
to Lunar Surface
Crew
side Lunar Vicinity
Missions Potential Commercial Opportunities

4 Teleoperations of robotic LADEE

Moon
Luna 25 Luna 26 Luna 27 RESOLVE SELENE-2 Luna 28/29 SELENE-3
Chandrayaan-2
(Sample
Return)
Human-Assisted
Sample Return Humans to Lunar Surface
Potential Commercial Opportunities

systems (on the far side) Human-Assisted Sample Return

Sustainable Human
MAVEN ISRO Mars ExoMars InSight ExoMars Mars JAXA Mars Sample Return Mission Missions to the
5 Access to medical and Orbiter Mission 2016
Mars
2018 2020 Mars
Precursor
Opportunities
Human Scale EDL Test Mission Opportunities
Mars System

exercise equipment for Multi-Destination Small Human

Transportation Cargo Surface
reconditioning. Capabilities
(Planned and Conceptual)
Initial
Cargo
Delivery
Lander Mobility

Evolvable
Orion Russian Advanced Orion
6 Act as a hub for refueling Icon indicates first use opportunity.
Commercial/Institutional launchers not shown.
& Piloted Electric
SLS System Propulsion
Deep Space
Habitat & SLS
(Upgrade)
Crewed
Lunar
Lander
Orion &
SLS
(Upgrade)

spacecraft consumables.

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

ISECG Principles

The GER has identified 6 exploration principles that are helpful metrics for devising a
comprehensive architecture:

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Architecture Driven by ISECG Principles

The combined principles could be summarized as an endeavor to

maximize partnership opportunities by prioritizing modular systems
while at the same time minimizing cost and complexity, ultimately
favoring minimum mass solutions.

1 GER derived strategic principles ! Aordability, Exploration

Value, International Partnerships, Capability Evolution,
Human-Robotic Partnership

2 GER derived goals and objectives ! 5 missions, 4 crew and 28+

days on surface

3 Capability based constraints as framed by international participants.

! Currently featuring ESA, CSA, JAXA and NASA
contributions

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Cislunar Orbit Options

While,the preferred orbit from a lander standpoint would be LLO, NASAs Orion
doesnt have enough fuel to get in and out. Reduced round-trip times on the order
of 85% to 95% to the surface from the NRHO compared to DRO or larger L2
Halos directly correlates to decrease in the mass of supplies, air and associated
systems that in turn result in a multiplied increase in lander propellant mass.
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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Final Trade Space

A completely mobile based system was selected as the preferred implementation

for the crewed stays. Two pressurized rovers provide full habitation for 2 crew
members each for 42 days (2 lunar days + 1 lunar night). A mobile system
maximizes landing site diversity while simultaenously minimizing
surface infrastructure.
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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Design Reference Mission

Initial 3 Launch scenario. Subsequent missions require 1.5 launches.

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Two Stage Lander

Reusable Ascent Module
Main function: deliver 4 crew safely to the
lunar surface and back.
3-4 day lifetime capability required for abort
modes
Reduced pressurized volume to 10 m3 to
save mass
Pump-fed storable fuel-based engines
LO2 /CH4 Descent Module
LO2 /CH4 was selected for the descent
module for ISRU potential and increased
performance
Key features of descent module given below:

Item Descent Module

Main Propellants LO2 /CH4
# Engines 3
Engine Thrust >80 kN
Engine Isp 370 s
RCS 40 x 220 N
Power Solar Panels

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Reusable Surface Rovers

Notional Rover Design

Small Pressurized Rovers
2 reusable rovers carry 2 crew
members each
Yearly missions will require small
cargo resupply
Volumetric challenge to fit 2 rovers
atop a descent module in launch
vehicle shroud
The rover has 4 main systems:
1 The rover platform/chassis
2 The radioisotope power/thermal
source Notional Launch Configuration
3 The airlock
4 The pressurized module
Unique hybrid power system
includes:
1 Partially deployable solar panels
2 Multiple radioisotope power
systems
3 Rechargeable batteries or
regenerative fuel cells.

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Element Co-Development

Envisioned co-development approach

A programmatic analysis was

performed on how to realize a lunar
surface architecture.

The study found that:

1 A sub-scale robotic
demonstrator version of the
human lunar lander is the
The time scale on the top of the figure most aordable solution
indicates years to Human Lunar Return. 2 System components would be
implemented based on the
Relationship between demonstrator and partnership roles in the
human elements human architecture
3 Demonstrator mission should
be between 4 and 6 years
before human lunar return
4 A demonstrator does not
significantly delay human
lunar return.

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Key Technology Challenges

Radioisotope-Solar Hybrid Life support and EVA for
Power (Lunar Night survival) extended lunar stay (LSS
atmosphere choices, dust
mitigation, radiation, exercise
requirements)

Zero-boil-o LO2 /CH4

propulsion

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Landing Sites to Connect 5 Consecutive Missions

Coordinates of Notional Sites
Notional Sites in SPAB # Site Lon. Lat.
1 Malapert Massif 0 -85
2 Shackleton Plateau 126 -89
3 Schrodinger Basin 139 -75
4 Antoniadi 172 -70
5 SPAB Interior 160 -60

Detailed Example SPAB Landing Site

Theme Objective
Geological Features Geological Exploration as wide area of SPAB
Water or Ice Lunar Water/Ice or Volatile component exploration for ISRU
Observation Moonquake observation. Astronomical Observatory on lunar surface.

The five example SPAB sites are useful for addressing the feasibility of the
architecture concept driving power, thermal, and communication subsystem
designs, as well as the assumptions on the terrain environment for surface landing
and mobility.
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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Crew Concept of Operations

1st Lunar Day (14 Earth Days) Lunar Night (14 Earth Days) 2nd Lunar Day (14 Earth Days)

DSG

DSG

Ascending

Landing Public Engagement 40th day

-Remote Operation EVA Task
-Education -Sampling
2nd day EVA Task
-Sampling Ascent Prep
-Packing
-Separation
-Check Out
1st day 3rd day 41st day
Initial
Checkout Overnight IVA Task
Unpackaging Traverse 42nd day
Traverse -Sample Analysis

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Sub-Scale Demonstrator Mission

A concept for the demonstrator mission scenario has been advanced to
phase-0 level by the participating agencies CSA, ESA, and JAXA
Once landed, surface rover is envisioned to collect up to 15 kg of samples from
previously unexplored regions of the Moon.
The first operational concept will allow significant advances in preparing for
human missions to Mars and sustained exploration of the Moon
While reliance on ISRU has been excluded for the DRM, it is nevertheless an
objective of the campaign to deploy a to-be-defined ISRU pilot plant

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

Gateway Enabled Human Surface Summary

Lunar surface concept is logical combination of: Planned

components (SLS and Orion) + Conceptual Components
(Human Lander and Pressurized Rovers)

Key is aordability: minimizing heavy lift launches, maximize

reusability and minimize new developments

Approval of the demonstrator mission for development is vital

to make human lander project aordable.

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Introduction Mission Architecture Lunar Exploration Elements Surface Operations Concept Summary

http://www.globalspaceexploration.org

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