Operational Strategies and Critical Capabilities for Human Sortie Missions on the Lunar Surface

The first return of humans to the lunar surface will take the form of short-duration sorties. Current mission planning at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for lunar sorties includes four crew members living out of their landed lunar surface access module (LSAM) for 4 to 7 days. Potential landing sites of high scientific interest or with potential resources for development and utilization have been identified, including sites on the near side, far side, and polar regions. Extravehicular activities (EVAs) with suited astronauts out on the lunar surface will dominate surface operations. Critical capabilities that will be needed to support these activities include, surface mobility systems, long-lived power systems, global communication and navigation systems, teleoperated robotic systems, the ability to explore sub-surface, and dust mitigation and planetary protection techniques. Though extremely short in mission duration, human sorties to the Moon can also begin the testing of Mars-forward operational techniques and surface systems technologies.