Although it is possible to design manned missions to Mars that do not involve prior lunar missions, a strategy that includes development of a lunar base before or concurrent with the Mars program offers potential benefits from space infrastructure development, space operations experience, and utilization of lunar materials for propulsion. Common utilization of infrastructure elements (e.g., Orbital Transfer Vehicles, Space Operation Center modules) is emphasized in this approach. Mass flows through a low Earth orbit Space Station change in quantity and in proportion of propellant to hardware as the infrastructure develops.
Rationale for an integrated moon/Mars exploration program
Aerospace century XXI: Space missions and policy ; 1986 ; Boulder, CO, United States
1987-01-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
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