credit NASA
NASA's Constellation programme's office of lunar and planetary exploration chief Wendell Mendell spoke to Hyperbola at the European Astrofest 2009 conference in London on Saturday 7 February
Listen to him talk about the work done to evaluate lunar surface needs and NASA's interest in the possibilty of reusable lunar landers that have descent stages that return to space. Download the podcast here and go here for a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency interview with Mendell
on February 9, 2009 11:59 PM | Reply
It's good news NASA directorate are considering the composite ascent-descent concept for Altair. The obvious advantages are addressing the need for building more robust vehicles and engines, with some added effort toward building vehicles with primary radiation protection in the hull and interior design. The Moon is either soon to become crowded with deorbiting vehicles or debris from impacts before we come to grips with the dusty exosphere in its pristine state.
Excellent work, as always, Rob. Thanks.