LUNAR TRILOGY:
LUNAR BASES
Strategies, Concepts, Prospects and Plans
H.H.Koelle
ISBN 3-8322-1728-2/ SHAKER Verlag, Aachen, 2003
Abstract:
Possible developments of human space flight beyond the International Space Station in low earth orbit are
described. The present state-of-the-art and prospects of lunar development is summarized. The rationale of entering
a new phase of lunar development is presented, including the social and political background. The essential
functions and associated facilities of an initial lunar base are defined. It is shown that the space transportation
system, providing the logistic support of a lunar base, is the bottleneck of new evolutionary steps. A feasible
schedule and associated detailed cost estimates are presented. Options available such as a 'Lunar Outpost' and/or
'Initial Lunar Base' are discussed. A 10-year development and 30-year operational program leading to a lunar base
with up to 100 people, is recommended as a reference model for future considerations. –
( 220 pages, 88 tables, 35 figures and 117 references).
Keywords: Space Program Planning, Space Travel, Lunar Base, Objectives and Goals, Space
Transportation Systems, System Analysis, Performance, Schedules, Cost, Financing, Benefits.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF A LUNAR BASE
H.H.Koelle, H.N.Mertens
ISBN 3-8322-2428-9/ SHAKER Verlag, Aachen, 2004
Abstract:
Current plans will probably lead to the establishment of an initial lunar base during the next two decades. Detailed
proposals for a lunar installation are putting some substance in such advanced planning. For this reason the
rationale, base concepts, performance, schedules and cost are the subjects addressed. This documentation illustrates
the road from a parametric analysis to a conceptual design of an initial lunar base. The approach taken is a detailed
analysis of one representative lunar base concept that could be used as a baseline for further discussion and analysis.
The program envisioned is based a ten-year planning and development period, followed by a 30-year initial
operational phase. This concept would be leading to a lunar crew of 85 lunar astronauts at the end of the assumed
life cycle. A near term representative space transportation system, to be developed in conjunction with base
facilities, would provide the logistic support to the lunar base. Cost estimates of the 40-year program are in the
order of $ 90 B. An average annual outlay below 3 B $ indicates its financial affordability, particularly if it would be
realized on an international basis.
(82 figures, 28 tables, 62 references , 114 pages).
Key Words: Lunar base, site selection, conceptual design, cost and schedules, system simulation,
logistics, space transportation systems, base architecture.
LUNAR SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
H.H.Koelle
ISBN 3-8322-2746-6/ SHAKER Verlag, Aachen, 2004
Abstract
The present stable of launch vehicles represents the state-of-the-art of the sixties or seventies. They are expendable
vehicles with the exception of the SPACE SHUTTLE which is partly reusable. Payload capabilities reach from a few
hundred kilograms to about twenty tons to low Earth orbit. Cost per launch are about $ 50 M for a DELTA vehicle
up to $ 550 M for a crewed SPACE SHUTTLE. The cost effectiveness is on the order of 10,000 $/kg for low Earth
orbits. Fully reusable launch vehicles with larger payload capabilities are needed to expand space activities in this
next century. This paper analyses some of the most attractive options of space transportation systems with
emphasis on heavy lift launchers for lunar and planetary crewed missions. It is shown that payload capabilities can
be increased and specific transportation costs can be decreased by an order of magnitude. This capability to
transport people and equipment to the lunar surface in greater numbers makes the acquisition of a permanent lunar
base a feasible and affordable program of the near future. –
( 58 figures, 119 tables, 32 references,179 pages).
Key words: Lunar exploration, lunar bases, lunar logistic, space transportation, system analysis, program
comparison, transportation cost,