Small Spacecraft for Science and Exploration in NASA's Robotic Lunar Exploration Program

Abstract

NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) calls for returning humans to the Moon as preparation for the exploration of Mars and the solar system. Robotic precursor missions can and should play an important role in our plans for a permanent human presence on the Moon. Here we describe a rationale and methodology for the development of small, low-cost, high-heritage lunar orbiters capable of measurements relevant to both basic lunar science and VSE priorities. The use of small (<150 kg) spacecraft enables a multitude of primary and secondary launch opportunities, and many small satellite systems developed for terrestrial applications are also applicable to lunar exploration. We show an example of one such lunar mission, based on a medium-class explorer spacecraft bus, which has been fully studied and costed as a primary or secondary payload and is capable of carrying out high priority measurements of the lunar environment. In order for small spacecraft to work effectively as part of a larger lunar exploration architecture, their design would ideally evolve toward a common bus, thus enabling repeatable and reliable access to lunar orbit. We summarize these and other possibilities explored during a summer study program involving students and the NASA Ames Research Center small satellite program, where we show that important lunar science and exploration objectives can be obtained using small spacecraft and for under $100M total cost.