Human spaceflight systems modeling applied to lunar surface bases: Architecture comparisons

An architectural level model was created to determine the mass, power, and volume of human supported surface base infrastructure at the architectural concept level of detail. It uses cargo mass delivered, crew number, and duration as primary inputs, with some key parameters that are dependent on the particular technology used for the vehicle. As technology has many variations, only a single design approach is given using proven and near-term technologies. Supporting data for other technologies and approaches are not included in this paper. The outputs are mass, power, and volume required for bases on the Moon. Surface bases in other locations throughout the solar system have not been formulated. If the surface base components are to be integrated with a landing system, this logistical option has been modeled. Surface payloads have many options depending on the mission objectives and therefore are considered as inputs to this model. The modeling approach is to first define the payloads to be supported. Crew related payloads are divided into crew systems, ECLS, and EVA. Other payloads that are mission specific are not derived but are inputs to the model. Parametric design parameters are given throughout in a tabular form. Many of these parameters have been derived from more detailed designs and are formulated in order to rapidly extrapolate the impact of changing input parameters. In this paper, the analysis and results of 4 lunar base designs are presented. The designs are varied based on stay duration and payloads. The first base is designed to have a short duration stay of 14 days while transporting a limited number of surface experiments. The second variant is designed for a surface stay duration of 30 days with an increased number of surface experiments and no resupply capability. The third design supports surface stays of up to 180 days with more experiments and a resupply capability from Earth. The last design assumes permanent presence with crews rotated every year and the incorporation of ISRU technologies.