This study proposes to leverage the evaluation of the cost breakeven for using lunar-derived propellants as compared to those delivered from Earth, in support of an extended human exploration campaign as defined in a companion paper, to explore this architectural question: how do choices in the number and function of different vehicles performing lunar descent and ascent impact the cost breakeven of using in-situ propellant production relative to propellant delivery from Earth for a combination of human lunar and Mars missions?
How the Allocation of Lander Functions Impacts the Cost Breakeven for Lunar In-Situ Propellant Production
AIAA SciTech Forum ; 2021 ; Nashville, TN, US
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Keine Angabe
Englisch