H.H. Koelle

Preliminary analysis of a baseline system model for lunar manufacturing

Abstract This paper describes a Lunar Base with a capability to produce 100,000 metric tons of raw materials and stock per year. This material can be used for the construction of solar power systems (SPS) or other spacecraft in the geostationary orbit or other space locations. The Lunar base consists of 19 elements. The Earth-Lunar Space Transportation System is supported by two Space Operations Centers in GEO and Lunar orbit. At the present time, this transportation system uses LOX/LH 2 propulsion systems only, to establish a base of reference with a high confidence level. LOX is produced on the lunar surface, the liquid hydrogen required by the space ferries is imported from Earth. Preliminary figures indicate lunar production cost of less than

Evolution and logistics of an early lunar base

5 (1980)/kg and specific transportation cost between the lunar surface and GEO in the order of

Recent advances in lunar base simulation

45/kg. Some 480 people are needed to operate the Lunar base, which has a power requirement of about 300 MW.

STRATEGIES OF DEVELOPING ADVANCED LUNAR POWER SYSTEMS

Abstract The planned construction of a permanently manned space station in low earth orbit has reopened the discussion about the establishment of a manned lunar base within the next 25 years for exploration of the Moon and space. Several studies demonstrate that a lunar base very modest in size may cost

On the life cycle cost and return on investment of a 500 GW global space solar power system

50 to 90 billion spread over 25 years which would fit into the expected NASA budget for this period. Having these cost in mind the authors present a concept having a greater effectiveness based on the following operational characteristics: (1) The development of a low cost heavy-lift launch vehicle for cargo transportation and propellant supply reduces the specific transportation cost by one order of magnitude compared to the existing Space Shuttle system. (2) Orbital transfer vehicles with LOX/LH2 technology should be preferred over advanced propulsion systems because of proved technology and cost reduction by utilization of lunar produced LOX. (3) The evolution of the lunar base towards a lunar colony and manufacturing facility could only be initiated by a powerful transportation system allowing for cost-effective space construction projects and manned spaceflight to other planets. The lunar base program of this paper is based on a schedule considering a 8 years development, 5 years lunar base assembly and 20 years operational phase during which the lunar crew will increase from 60 to 180 people. Launch rates will be 10 shuttle launches and 10 HLLV launches p.a. at the average. Development costs of the transportation and lunar base system will amount to

International Academy of Astronautics 5th cosmic study—preparing for a 21st century program of integrated, Lunar and Martian exploration and development (executive summary)

29 billion. Adding hardware and operational costs for lunar base assembly results in the acquisition cost of

An experimental program for space solar power development compatible with human moon and mars exploration

49 billion. Total life cycle costs are estimated to be in the order of

Cost estimates for lunar products and their respective commercial prices

101 billion considering a 20 years operational phase which will cost

Space freighters for the 21st century

2.6 billion p.a. at the average. For the 2508 man-years spent in lunosphere the relative cost will be

A frame of reference for extraterrestrial enterprises

40.2 million per man-year of which space transportation will cost