Difference between revisions of "Mission 3"
Navigaiter (Talk | contribs) |
(Corrected nomenclature and design flaws.) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
== Pathfinder class missions == | == Pathfinder class missions == | ||
− | Mission 3 features solo human Pathfinders evaluating and preparing a site for the | + | Mission 3 features solo human Pathfinders evaluating and preparing a site for the Explorer Crew to build the outpost. |
− | |||
Pathfinder stays a week or more on Lunar surface. | Pathfinder stays a week or more on Lunar surface. | ||
− | The human Pathfinder will operate while "standing" in the lander wearing their [[Surface Suit]]. At | + | The human Pathfinder will operate while "standing" in the lander wearing their [[Surface Suit]]. At the Hab Site, the explorer will prepare the foundation with equipment varying from a pick and shovel to [perhaps] explosive loosening/clearing. |
In the cleared hole, Pathfinder will either place a small inflatable structure, or more likely, an overhead cover. The overhead cover will be covered with regolith to provide a 2m thick barrier for thermal and radiation protection. Power, communication or other equipment will be set up. (Probably removed from the lander.) | In the cleared hole, Pathfinder will either place a small inflatable structure, or more likely, an overhead cover. The overhead cover will be covered with regolith to provide a 2m thick barrier for thermal and radiation protection. Power, communication or other equipment will be set up. (Probably removed from the lander.) |
Revision as of 14:22, 1 July 2009
Pathfinder class missions
Mission 3 features solo human Pathfinders evaluating and preparing a site for the Explorer Crew to build the outpost.
Pathfinder stays a week or more on Lunar surface.
The human Pathfinder will operate while "standing" in the lander wearing their Surface Suit. At the Hab Site, the explorer will prepare the foundation with equipment varying from a pick and shovel to [perhaps] explosive loosening/clearing.
In the cleared hole, Pathfinder will either place a small inflatable structure, or more likely, an overhead cover. The overhead cover will be covered with regolith to provide a 2m thick barrier for thermal and radiation protection. Power, communication or other equipment will be set up. (Probably removed from the lander.)
Pathfinder will do scientific studies and prepare the site for the Outpost to follow on the next mission.
After about one week of residency, the Pathfinder will mount the lander and launch to Earth. The Pathfinder lander may provide limited braking before Earth orbital entry.
Earth Return Landing will either be in the form of a GE "Project Moose" style or an inflatable heat shield. (Note, there are several examples of each. A simple web search will provide many of them.) This discussion of inflatable re-entry is also interesting. Georgia Tech has done some very cool research on the use of Ballute Entry Systems for Lunar Return Missions Parachute to safety, and all is well!