Lockheed Martin Reveals New Human Lunar Lander Concept
Concept video: https://vimeo.com/293133933
The crewed lunar lander is a single stage, fully reusable system that incorporates flight-proven technologies and systems from
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The unique orbit of the lunar Gateway provides global lunar access for a lander. Having the ability to visit multiple sites with a reusable lander supports many international, commercial, and scientific communities, in addition to
"The Gateway is key to full, frequent and fast reusability of this lander," said
The investments made in technology developed for Orion can be re-used to reduce the cost, complexity and development timeline. Some of the human-rated, flight-proven systems used in the design include avionics, life support, communications and navigation systems, and a light-weight version of its crew module pressure vessel.
Reusable landers are enabled by the lunar Gateway and are important for sustainable exploration. Additionally, landed human lunar missions and a lunar orbiting outpost are valuable to prepare for sending humans to Mars. While the Moon doesn't have an atmosphere, there are still many lessons that apply to a future crewed Mars lander, such as: operations experience in a challenging and dynamic environment, operating and refueling out of orbit, long-duration cryogenic propulsion, and terminal descent navigation, guidance and control.
To learn more about the
- Lander animation: https://vimeo.com/293133933
- Lander illustrations: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lockheedmartin/albums/ 72157671935059557
- Lander white paper: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/space/documents/ahead/LM-Crewed-Lunar-Lander-from-Gateway-IAC-2018-Rev1.pdf
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SOURCE
Gary Napier, 720-842-6102; gary.p.napier@lmco.com