NASA releases two new Moon to Mars architecture white papers

NASA has released two white papers related to the agency's lunar-Mars architecture work. The documents, one on lunar mobility drivers and needs and one on lunar surface cargo, describe NASA's latest thinking on specific areas of the lunar exploration strategy.

While NASA has established a yearly cadence of releasing new documents associated with its Moon to Mars architecture, the agency occasionally releases mid-cycle findings to share essential information in areas of interest for its stakeholders.

“Lunar Mobility Drivers and Needs” discusses the need to move cargo and assets on the lunar surface, from landing sites to points of use, and some of the factors that will significantly impact mobility systems. The "Moon Surface" analyzes some of the current predicted needs and identifies the current capacity holes - to transport the cargo to the lunar surface.

Moon Mars architecture approach contains reviews from the US. Industry, academic circles, international partners and NASA's labor force. The agency typically publishes several technical papers at the end of the annual analysis cycle, including updates to the architecture definition document and white papers detailing frequently raised issues.

As part of NASA's Artemis program, the agency will lay the foundations for long-term scientific exploration of the Moon, send the first woman, the first person of color and its first international partner astronaut to the lunar surface, and prepare for human exploration of Mars.