A Lunar Logistic Lander for Europe

Abstract

A Lunar Logistic System, based on a lunar lander vehicle could be a possible contribution of Europe to a global Lunar exploration infrastructure. The cargo lander would be launched directly to Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO) by Ariane 5, and would then perform a braking manoeuvre to inject into a Low Lunar Orbit (LLO). After some orbits for landing site mapping the lander will perform a soft precision landing on the Moon surface, a precision which would allow it to reach a designated landing area in the vicinity of the Lunar Outpost or any other point of interest. The lunar lander would need a throttleable descent and landing, or a combination of smaller pulsable thrusters and a specific descent and landing guidance and navigation system. The lander would be designed to enable easy unloading operations, either automatically or with support from the crew on the Lunar Surface. It would be able to transport freight (consumables, space parts, robotic elements, science instruments, other outpost components) to the Lunar Surface, on the basis of a standardized mechanical and structural, pallet-type, payload interface, and to provide the necessary resources to its payload (power, communications for instance).