Paul D. Spudis, an American geologist, lunar scientist, and a well-known advocate for sending astronauts back to the Moon and establishing permanent bases on the lunar surface, reviewed an article he co-authored with Tony Lavoie entitled Mission and Implementation of an Affordable Lunar Return [PDF] with Dr. David Livingston on The Space Show Sunday, January 16, 2011. Spudis and Lavoie have suggested a small, incremental and cumulative steps for a human lunar architecture. The purpose of their study was to learn to live and work on the Moon for extended periods of time while staying in the cost baseline suggested by the so-called Augustine Commission.
On of their first suggested goals was to tap into the lunar water for propellant and lower costs for extended subsequent human stays on the lunar surface through a series of missions ranging from communication and remote sensing satellite and robotic lunar landing vehicles at the lunar north and south poles.
The two lunar scientists suggested a medium and heavy lunar landers. The medium lander would explore lunar water concentration and content to commence extended development. The system is modular and affordable while trading cost for time, if necessary, to develop lunar resources as the ultimate goal.
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