Title:
The Apollo Lunar Orbit Rendezvous Architecture Decision Revisited
The Apollo Lunar Orbit Rendezvous Architecture Decision Revisited
Author(s)
Reeves, David M.
Scher, Michael D.
Wilhite, Alan W.
Stanley, Douglas O.
Scher, Michael D.
Wilhite, Alan W.
Stanley, Douglas O.
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Abstract
The 1962 Apollo architecture mode decision process was revisited with modern analysis
and systems engineer tools to determine driving selection criteria and
technology/operational mode design decisions that may be used for NASA’s current
Space Exploration program. Results of the study agreed with the Apollo selection of the
Lunar Orbit Rendezvous mode based on the technology maturity and politics in 1962.
Using today’s greater emphasis on human safety and improvements in technology and
design maturity, a slight edge may be given to the direct lunar mode over lunar orbit
rendezvous. Also, the NOVA direct mode and Earth orbit rendezvous mode are not
competitive based any selection criteria. Finally, reliability and development, operations,
and production costs are major drivers in today’s decision process.
Sponsor
AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee ; AIAA Space Transportation Systems Technical Committee ; Space Technology Advanced Research Center
Date Issued
2005-11-09
Extent
436143 bytes
193664 bytes
1905 bytes
436143 bytes
193664 bytes
193664 bytes
1905 bytes
436143 bytes
193664 bytes
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Presentation