Next-Generation Lunar Transports

This paper illustrates some potentials or possible trends in future-generation spacecraft for advanced lunar missions. The need for multi-man crew transports is presented and the operational disadvantages of the lunar orbital mission mode are described. Possibilities for landing multi-man crews in the direct mission mode are presented; booster system requirements and state of the art in necessary subsystems have been considered. For comparison, the advanced lunar orbital rendezvous mode spacecraft is also shown. This spacecraft can land twice as many men per launch; however, operational restrictions and greater cost due to complexity make it appear less desirable.

Complementary unmanned logistic spacecraft, which use the same basic landing modules, are also described to assure maximum common usage between manned transports and associated logistic spacecraft.