Caltech Space Challenge

When designing a mission to a Lunarport there are many options up for consideration: inject onto a fast, high-energy trajectory or enjoy a more "lethargic" route, choice of propulsion technologies and deceleration systems, where to stage and store resources, and the inclusion and timing of critical events. Often the choice of mission design isn't driven by engineering, but by programmatic concerns: mission timeline and timeframe, development schedule, budgets, operational complexity, and compatibility with existing and encouraged technologies. The talk will touch upon these bases and details on trajectory options around the Moon. The talk will also provide a few suggestions for the (hoped to be) more promising mission architectures around the Moon.