NASA Calls for Industry Input on Lunar Logistics and Mobility Systems

NASA Calls for Industry Input on Lunar Logistics and Mobility Systems
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 20, 2024

NASA is set to launch a new solicitation under its Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 (NextSTEP-2) initiative, inviting industry to propose studies that will enhance logistics and mobility systems on the lunar surface. This call for proposals is part of NASA's ongoing efforts to develop the necessary infrastructure for long-term human and robotic exploration of the Moon and eventually Mars.

The solicitation focuses on filling critical gaps identified in NASA's Moon to Mars Architecture, which outlines the elements required to sustain human-led scientific missions in deep space. Specifically, NASA is looking for studies that address two key areas: an integrated surface logistics architecture and uncrewed surface mobility systems. These studies are expected to build on NASA's 2024 Architecture Concept Review White Papers, which detail the needs and capabilities necessary for successful lunar missions.

Under the NextSTEP-2 Appendix R, the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) Strategy and Architecture Office (SAO) is seeking proposals that will:

- Develop innovative logistics and mobility strategies: Proposals should explore new approaches to logistics and mobility, including synergies between these two areas, identification of unmet needs, and novel business models that could include intellectual property and asset management.

- Evaluate key technology drivers: Proposals should assess the maturity, cost, and schedule factors of technologies needed to meet the logistics and mobility requirements, providing data that could inform future mission concepts and operations.

- Support NASA's logistics and mobility planning: The studies should generate valuable data that will help NASA refine its lunar surface operations, contributing to a validated and effective logistics and mobility strategy.

The areas of interest for the studies include:

- Logistics carriers: Designing carriers of various sizes, volumes, and configurations, including those with environmental controls for cargo compartments.

- Handling and offloading: Methods for handling and offloading unpressurized cargo, fluids, and gases.

- Logistics transfer: Techniques for transferring cargo from the lunar surface to pressurized environments.

- Staging, storage, and tracking: Managing logistics inventory before, during, and after delivery to the final point of use.

- Trash management: Innovative solutions for sustainable trash management to enhance mission efficiency.

- Surface cargo mobility: Developing systems for transporting cargo containers across the lunar surface after they are delivered by a lander.

- Integrated logistics strategy: A comprehensive approach to integrating surface logistics with transportation systems, including the use of launch vehicles and cargo landers.

The results of these studies will be vital in advancing NASA's capabilities for lunar surface operations, helping to pave the way for future exploration missions that push the boundaries of human presence in space.