Whats next for NASAs lunar exploration strategy?
The next phase is to refine what we did in LAT 2 to make sure it provides the necessary high-level information for the design of our transportation system. We need to figure out just how big a lander we need to do what we want to do. We also want to make sure we’ve built the right capabilities into the pressurized rover. For example, right now we envision wrapping a water jacket around the pressurized rover to protect the crew from a solar particle event. Are there other ingenious approaches we should examine? We also will be working with the Science Mission Directorate to figure out some of the science operations in greater detail. Does NASA’s revised strategy create any new opportunities for international participation? Yes, on the robotic side. Remember during the first go-around, NASA said it would take care of the basic transportation system, the communications system and the landers; leaving the rest open. That has not changed. What has changed is that we initially said we would
