LUNOX Scenario Concept Images
The following images were produced for NASA by John Frassanito and Associates
based on technical concept studies from NASA's Planetary Missions and Materials
Office, Johnson Space Center.
- Cargo Launch using Energia Launch Vehicle (GIF 200k)
NASA/JSC image #S94-027634
Cargo flights to the moon could use the
Russian Energia launch vehicle. This booster made its first test flight
in 1987.
- ISRU Plant Landing on Lunar Surface (GIF 116k)
NASA/JSC image #S94-027636
An automated cargo lander delivers an
oxygen production plant to the surface of the moon. This "lunar freighter"
was launched from earth on either a Shuttle-derived heavy-lift launch vehicle
or the Russian Energia
- ISRU Plant Processing Regolith (GIF 88k)
NASA/JSC image #S93-45590
A teleoperated lunar oxygen plant begins
production. Remotely driven surface vehicles mine and transport lunar soil
to the plant, where the oxygen is extracted, liquefied, and pumped into waiting
storage tanks.
- Pressurized Lunar Rover Deployed from Lander (GIF 68k)
NASA/JSC image #S94-027631
A pressurized lunar rover is unloaded from a
cargo lander. The rover will provide habitation volume for lunar crews, as well
as extended exploration capabilities.
- Lunar Base Airlock Node (GIF 68k)
NASA/JSC image #S94-27630
The components needed for a lunar habitat
have been delivered and driven by teleoperation to a central location for assembly.
- Piloted Launch using Advanced Shuttle Launch Vehicle
(GIF 140k)
NASA/JSC image #S94-27632
Piloted flights to the moon can be launched on a
booster based on Space Shuttle components. Such a launcher can use currently existing
assembly buildings and launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center.
- Piloted Vehicle Descent (GIF 88k)
NASA/JSC image #S93-45589
A crew of four descends to the lunar surface in a
spacecraft designed to utilize oxygen produced on the moon for propellant. Because
of the high performance advantages of in situ propellants, the spacecraft does
not need to rendezvous with a second spacecraft in lunar orbit.
- Lunar Base Overview - Assembled (GIF 108k)
NASA/JSC image #S93-45585
A lunar habitat has been assembled out of components
delivered by automated cargo flights. Pressurized rovers, logistics modules, and a
spacesuit maintenance and storage module combine to provide the living and working
quarters for the crew.
- Pressurized Rover Traverse (GIF 112k)
NASA/JSC image #S93-4558
Pressurized surface rovers allow lunar explorers to extend their
travel capabilities far beyond the limitations imposed by their spacesuits.
The crew can service remote facilities, such as lunar telescopes, and conduct
long-range geological traverses.
- Piloted Vehicle Refueling Before Earth Return (GIF 72k)
NASA/JSC image #S93-45592
The lunar crew refills the propellant tanks on their
spacecraft with oxygen produced on the moon. This allows them to return directly to
earth, reentering the atmosphere in the conical crew module, and touching down at a
prepared landing site.
- Earth Reentry (GIF 136k)
NASA/JSC image #S94-27633
The lunar crew returns to Earth. Modern navigation systems will allow
pin-point landings, eliminating the expense of mid-ocean recovery forces.
Return to Planetary Missions