A strategy for a lunar base

Abstract

A strategy for the establishment of a human-tended base on the moon that involves an evolutionary development spanning from an exploratory encampment to a self-sufficient lunar base is proposed. Four strategic architectural stages in the evolutionary human exploration and settlement of the moon, based on specified engineering requirements and feasible enabling technologies, are proposed. The four stages are: (1) exploratory; (2) pioneering; (3) outpost; and (4) base. Overall goals and specific objectives, functional requirements, structural characteristics, construction conditions, life support systems requirements, and supporting systems needed for lunar exploration and utilization in each stage are identified and discussed.