Mission Plan

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Each launch will bring (mass allowing) a communications and navigation satellite.

Mission 1 A scout class mission - "Google Lunar X-Prize" clone-like rovers delivered by a single lander. The lander will "hop" around to deposit the rovers, similar to an upside down Candy dispenser. The lander will return to a centralized high point and start operating as a radio relay, and will also contain a web and e-mail server. (Please don't /. it ;) - NOTE: this will NOT be a GLXP mission.

Mission 2-Mission 3 These will be Sample return class missions The locations for these sample return missions will be determined by the rovers from Mission 1. We plan for 50-100kg of samples and a rover that can hang around indefinitely "prospecting" and gathering information. The landing is planned for the Shackleton Crater at the lunar southern pole. We will be looking for water, other useful resources, and a good location for a future shelter and outpost. Land will be claimed for the project (see growing and evolving discussion of lunar and other non-Earthly land ownership debates/policies). Place at minimum one communications satellite in orbit with the first launch. At least two of these missions are planned to give a good spread of target areas and rigorously test the technology. Rock samples will be returned to Western Ontario University and, after being safely cleared, then distributed to those who requested them or auctioned. Profits from this and other income opportunities will be used to fund the next mission. Media opportunities will include auctioning samples, contests to include students at various levels, naming rights as appropriate, documentary rights, etc.

Mission 4 a manned Pathfinder class mission Presuming satisfactory site characteristics, tests, and technology development, this mission will be manned. A person with a lunar "tent" will stay as long as safely feasible, testing technology and preparing the site for future construction. This first manned lander will be named "Serenity" in honor of Apollo 11 (and Firefly). Formal announcement of outpost construction plans for Mission 5. Development of licensed merchandise, mock and real space/surface suits, other things as they are thought of.

Mission 5 a manned Explorer class mission Launch up to five astronauts (as many as possible given technology and supplies). Bring shelter materials as determined by Mission 4 and spend approximately one day building an outpost. If feasible and safe, leave a volunteer on the surface overnight. Announce the completion of the outpost and offer reservations and use to NASA, ESA, JAXA, other space agencies, and private individuals and organizations.

Further Plans

Develop mining, a scientific outpost, in-situ life support as quickly as possible. Work with a launch provider to improve launch and landing capabilities. Work on a capsule to increase crew comfort.

Flight Plans

Since all the missions are going to the same place (The Moon), each will require a similar flight plan with the one way delivery only missions being truncated.

Where to go first

The Moon is a big place, and we can only work a small area first. The current thinking is Shackleton crater, but, either prove us wrong, or help us with our argument. Tell us exactly where to land first.

Engineering and Science Goals

What will we do when we get there? Just going to build an outpost is certainly a reasonable goal, but, there really needs to be more, or it will be another Skylab. We want, no, need a reason to continue, to keep striving for more. So, Come, please, tell us what you want to do, what science you want to see done. (Only ideas you can participate in please...)

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