This paper presents a formulation of a lunar surface excursion based on planetary extra vehicular activity parameters and constraints, and analyzes the supply and collection of resources (i.e. oxygen, pure water and waste water) for the life support system during a short excursion to Malapert and a longer trip to Schrodinger Basin. In the two excursions the life support system recycling options were studied using spread sheet simulations. The results indicated that the improved whole-system recycling rate when CO_2 was collected in the Lunar Electric Rover was smaller than when CO_2 was collected in the Pressurized Excursion Module. The effects of batch and periodic supply and collection of resources were analyzed by means of a dynamic simulation model. The results indicated that periodic supply and collection can stabilize the mass changes of resources at the outpost. However in a long-range excursion, the supplies and collections could not be adequately disperse since the Portable Utility Pallet's operation is restricted to daytime use only. If that restriction can be overcome, the resulting improved stabilization will contribute to the robustness of life support system operations when the range and term of exploration are extended.
展开▼