NEAR-TERM SEI SCIENCE MISSIONS UTILIZING AN EVOLUTIONARY LUNAR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

An evolutionary program of space science missions for the lunar surfac e and the transportation system concept developed to deploy diem are d escribed. Lunar-based science systems will evolve from simple, robotic instruments such as a lunar transit telescope (LTT) to large, observa tory-class instruments like a 16-meter optical telescope assembled by astronauts at a lunar base. A transportation system concept to support the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) and the deployment of these sc ience payloads is described. Beginning with a post-Artemis lander capa bility, a modular approach to lunar landers is proposed as a way to ma ximize commonality and to support evolving SEI transportation requirem ents.