Lunar Sample Return Vehicle Aggregation

Project Goal: Collect, analyze and return samples from multiple locations on the lunar surface to the International Space Station.

Studying lunar composition provides valuable data about the formation of the moon, Earth and solar system. While much is still unknown, a method to collect samples and characterize surface magnetic anomalies of Reiner Gamma, a lunar swirl region containing high magnetic field strengths of unknown origin, would add to that knowledge.

This mission concept of operations features an orbiter from which a lander and rover make multiple descents to collect and store samples from various lunar surface locations and ascents to deliver the samples to the International Space Station. The rover is designed with two robotic arms for rapid sample collection, in-situ analysis of the samples, and expansive magnetic field measurements. An onboard computer controls immediate movements and data collections, while allowing scientists to plan and control its destinations and actions at the macro-level.

Once in lunar orbit, the lander, which contains the rover and sample return craft, lands and deploys the rover. The rover gathers samples and measurements, transfers them to the sample return craft and parks itself in the lander. The lander returns to the orbiter to refuel, and the sample return craft travels to the space station with its payload.