US Eyes Robot Moon Missions as it Prepares For Astronauts' Return (reuters.com)

The United States wants to send robotic explorers to the moon as soon as next year as a preparatory step toward sending astronauts back there for the first time since 1972, a NASA official said on Monday. From a report: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is planning a series of lunar missions beginning next year aimed at developing the capacity for a return to the moon, said Cheryl Warner, a spokeswoman for NASA's Human Exploration Directorate. NASA will work with private companies, which have not yet been chosen, on the missions, Warner said in a phone interview. U.S. President Donald Trump in December signed a directive that he said would enable astronauts to return to the moon and eventually lead a mission to Mars. Last month he ordered the government to review regulations on commercial space flights.

Comments

Let's be real

[Bruce Perens]

A mission that the government hasn't yet selected the vendors for isn't going to launch next year.

Of the vendors, only SpaceX has the technical capability to launch a payload to the moon on a few month's schedule, using the Falcon Heavy. However, there is no landing vehicle in existence at this time. Note that this has to be a cryogenic rocket, because it has to spend days in space before landing, unlike all of the existing SpaceX boosters. SpaceX boosters use a kerosene-based fuel and would freeze in the time required. Their new methane engine has had firing tests but no space vehicle exists for it yet. SpaceX has a very ambitious schedule and could be flying its new "BFR" larger manned rocket in 2022, especially if the government gives it a mission and thus financial support.