NASA unveils exploration strategy, lunar architecture
NASA NEWS RELEASE
Posted: December 4, 2006
HOUSTON - NASA on Monday unveiled the initial elements of the Global Exploration Strategy and a proposed U.S. lunar architecture, two critical tools for achieving the nation's vision of returning humans to the moon.
An artist's concept shows a lunar lander on the moon. Credit: NASA/John Frassanito and Associates BrieflyFollowing extensive planning discussions
......NASA's Lunar Architecture Team, chartered in May 2006, concluded that the most advantageous approach is to develop a solar-powered lunar base and to locate it near one of the poles of the moon. With such an outpost, NASA can learn to use the moon's natural resources to live off the land, make preparations for a journey to Mars, conduct a wide range of scientific investigations and encourage international participation.
As currently envisioned, an incremental buildup would begin with four-person crews making several seven-day visits to the moon until their power supplies, rovers and living quarters are operational. The first mission would begin by 2020. These would be followed by 180-day missions to prepare for journeys to Mars..........
A fine example of management-speak including well known phrases like "leveraging capabilities" and "refining architecture" can be found atNASA