4 Precursor Mission Design 4.2 Precursor Mission Candidates

4.2.6 Selection Criteria

Table 4-1 shows an overview of the presented precursor missions. The different proposals were evaluated with regard to the general objectives for precursor missions. The table shows that all the proposed precursor missions met most objectives. Ultimately the Lunar Rover Race was selected, as this mission is expected to have the most potential in promoting public interest, education and support.

Table 4-1: Overview of the Proposed Precursor Missions
(legend: the objective is "x" satisfied very well, ~ partly satisfied, or "-" not satisfied)

  NEO Green-house Space Hotel ISRU Lunar Rover Race
Increases public interest, education and support ~ X X  X X
Robotic X X X  X X
Promotes commercial expenditure in space X ~ X  ~ X
Is low cost ~ ~ ~  X X
Is near term (<5 years) X X X  X X
Is new (Innovation/niche) X X X  X X
Promotes international cooperation  ~ X  ~  X X
Promotes involvement of educational institutions -  X  ~ X X

NEXT >

[Home] [ISU]