During the International Astronautical Conference in Bremen, Germany, Lockheed Martin revealed the concept of the manned lunar lander and the ability of the lander to meet the conditions set by NASA for its reuse in missions to the moon and later, to deep space
During the International Astronautical Conference in Bremen, Germany, Lockheed Martin revealed the concept of the manned lunar lander and the ability of the lander to meet the conditions set by NASA for its reuse in missions to the moon and later, to deep space. The lander is a single-stage reusable system that brings with it the proven flight capabilities and systems from the Orion spacecraft. In its initial configuration, the lander will be able to carry four people and about 2000 pounds of cargo on the surface compartment for about two weeks without the need for refueling until returning to the Gateway.
The orbit around the lunar entry gate, a kind of subspace that will operate above the moon, will provide a wide global access to the lander. The ability to visit multiple sites with a multi-purpose spacecraft supports many commercial, scientific and international communities, in addition to NASA's lunar exploration program. After a mission on the lunar surface, the lander can return back to the lunar gate for refueling and servicing and continue orbiting the moon until the next surface mission.
The investments that have already been made in technologies as part of the Orion spacecraft program will be able to be reused and adjusted for the purpose of lowering costs, increasing efficiency and meeting schedules. Among the systems that can be used in the development that has already been done: avionics, support, communication and navigation as well as the lightweight crew capsule.
Reusable landers that can operate from the moon gate are a necessary necessity for continued space and lunar exploration. Manned landers that will operate on the lunar surface and above it are valuable for preparations for the long manned journey to Mars. While the moon does not have an atmosphere, it is still possible to learn and prepare for activity from it a lot about the future manned mission to Mars, for example: work in a challenging and dynamic environment, operation and refueling outside the orbit, long-term cryogenic propulsion and more.
