How does a Moon-orbiting spaceport sound?

#NASA #space #Moon #spaceport #lunarorbit #SolarSystem #SLS #Orion

Yes. This is real. NASA is planning to establish a crewed spaceport near the Moon that could serve as a gateway to the lunar surface and deep space destinations including Mars.

The first mission of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft will begin the period of exploration in the vicinity of the Moon. The agency will then build a crew tended spaceport in lunar orbit within the first few missions. This would serve as a gateway to deep space and the lunar surface.

The spaceport is expected to have a power bus, small habitat to extend crew time, docking capability, airlock and logistic modules to enable research. There will be the of high power electric propulsion for station keeping.

For missions into the solar system, NASA envisions a deep space transport spacecraft. This will be a reusable aircraft that uses electric and chemical propulsion and would take crew out to their destination, return them back to the gateway for service and reuse.

Read the full article here.

Oh, NASA. You are always thinking and doing so much. It’s so fascinating.