A Cis-Lunar Propellant Infrastructure for Flexible Path Exploration and Space Commerce

摘要: Abstract This paper describes a concept for cis-lunar propellant infrastructure that exploits lunar water production and delivers it to users in c is-lunar space. The supports multiple goals: provide responsive economi cal space transportation beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), enable in-space commerce, support the destinations of “flexible path” exploration. is “game changing” because would fundamentally affect architecture future operations, greater access orbit, broaden participation challenge create with minimum development costs yet assure operational do not diminish its benefits. approach achieving these objectives includes employing telerobotics, avoiding maintenance intensive machinery, exploiting natural environment, directed energy technologies resource extraction, processing establishing robust electric power infrastructure. Since main exported product propellants , also means stockpiling, packaging, delivering at various rendezvous points ranging from LEO orbit. delivery aspect will include mix including cryopropellant management, reusable landers, tankers, orbital transfer vehicles, aerobraking technologies, propulsion. To minimize cost, entirely telerobotic. Resource-intensive human flight operations are deferred until capable supporting missions . Ultimately, intended reduce cost both robotic missions. strictly dependent on justify investment can be scalable serve wide user base commercial satellite servicing large-scale exploration A logistics dramatically reduces size launch vehicles extend effective reach existing effect, provides deep any reaching LEO. sustained without need dedicated launches. introduces where buy services by trading packages process exchanging regarded as an early form commerce.