Session
Technical Session IV: Future Missions 2
Abstract
In 2005 Andrews Space, Inc. completed some preliminary microsatellite design work for a NASA Cislunar flight experiment known as Micro-X. This paper describes a low-risk satellite design option that leverages the work completed under the Micro-X contract and addresses NASA's near-term Robotic Lunar Exploration Program (RLEP) Objectives. Specifically, this paper describes enhancements to the Micro-X design that includes additional communication and data relay technologies with the Lunar Robotic Orbiter as a pathfinder for a mission to the Lunar South Pole. This Andrews conceptual design is known as the Lunar Advanced Relay Satellite (LARS).
Presentation Slides
Lunar Exploration Communications Relay Microsatellite
In 2005 Andrews Space, Inc. completed some preliminary microsatellite design work for a NASA Cislunar flight experiment known as Micro-X. This paper describes a low-risk satellite design option that leverages the work completed under the Micro-X contract and addresses NASA's near-term Robotic Lunar Exploration Program (RLEP) Objectives. Specifically, this paper describes enhancements to the Micro-X design that includes additional communication and data relay technologies with the Lunar Robotic Orbiter as a pathfinder for a mission to the Lunar South Pole. This Andrews conceptual design is known as the Lunar Advanced Relay Satellite (LARS).
