The Eagle II, an Alternative to the Current NASA Artemis Lunar Landers

What is it about?

This paper presents a conceptual design of a lunar lander vehicle and lunar landing architecture as an alternative to the current Artemis lander architectural element, which utilizes lunar landers from commercial contractors that are propelled by cryogenic propellants. These landers must be refueled in low Earth orbit (LEO) by multiple propellant tankers using as-yet unproven technology to transfer cryogenic propellants between tankers and landers. The Eagle II concept of operations is much simpler and would possess higher inherent reliability than the current Artemis approach: no cryogenic propellant transfer in LEO is required and no cryogenic propellant boiloff can occur. The Eagle II lander vehicle's propulsion system is very simple and utilizes pressure-fed rocket engines and hypergolic propellants. The Eagle II lander vehicle would utilize proven technology and incorporate current NASA habitability requirements and would provide radiation shielding for the crew.

Featured Image

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash