Lunar Station: The Next Logical Step in Space Development

摘要

With the ISS built and operational, our space program needs a clear, achievable, and highly engaging next step. This next step must also serve as an enabling pathway for NASA's ultimate goal of human missions to Mars and human or robotic exploration and development of asteroids and other planetary bodies. A clear, achievable, and highly engaging near-term next step is also essential for NASA to maintain its relevance to the U.S. public, its leadership in the international community, and its technical cutting edge. The Lunar Station could meet these objectives, as our initial analysis has shown. The Lunar Station falls inside of reasonable time lines (about 5 years to build) and budget levels (～ $2 billion/year to build and operate) and can be accomplished with current and near-term capabilities.