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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 4 sources · 2 days · First seen · Last updated

NASA lunar mission technology development

Overview

NASA and United Launch Alliance (ULA) have entered a collaboration to develop an extended version of the Centaur upper stage. This hardware is intended to address limitations in the Orion spacecraft’s Service Module, specifically enabling it to reach low-lunar orbit rather than being restricted to higher orbits.

According to Jeremy Parsons, NASA’s Artemis Program manager, operating in a lower orbit would reduce the propellant required by lunar landers, such as Blue Origin’s Blue Moon, to transport astronauts. This efficiency could allow propellant mass to be reallocated to other vehicle functions and provide faster escape opportunities from the lunar surface.

In parallel research, the University of Alabama in Huntsville has tested a prototype modular, vented lunar landing pad. Led by Dr. Judy Schneider, the testing aims to demonstrate how to redirect rocket exhaust to protect spacecraft and infrastructure from heat, force, and debris in the absence of water-based cooling resources on the Moon.

Entities

NASA · United Launch Alliance · Decatur, Alabama · Moon · Blue Origin

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    NASA develops new propulsion strategy for Orion lunar missions

    NASA is partnering with United Launch Alliance to develop an extended Centaur V upper stage, allowing the Orion spacecraft to reach low-lunar orbit and improving lunar landing efficiency.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    NASA and ULA partner on lunar mission components and landing technology

    NASA and ULA are collaborating on a new Centaur upper stage for moon missions, while UAH researchers successfully test a prototype vented landing pad to protect lunar infrastructure.

Sources

arstechnica.com · businessnewsweek.in · massive.news · spotonalabama.com