Small Spacecraft for Science and Exploration in ...

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implementation, streamlined review process, class C EEE parts, and a class ... Launch options using a Taurus 3000 series or Minotaur IV/V are more ...
AIAA 2007-6033

AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition 18 - 20 September 2007, Long Beach, California

Small Spacecraft for Science and Exploration in NASA’s Robotic Lunar Exploration Program Gregory T. Delory1 and Robert P. Lin2 Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720 John Hines3, Bruce Yost4, and the S4P Team5 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035

NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) calls for returning humans to the Moon as preparation for the exploration of Mars and the solar system. Robotic precursor missions can and should play an important role in our plans for a permanent human presence on the Moon. Here we describe a rationale and methodology for the development of small, low-cost, high-heritage lunar orbiters capable of measurements relevant to both basic lunar science and VSE priorities. The use of small (