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Mission Plan
The OpenLuna Foundation aims to return mankind to the moon through private enterprise. Initial goals focus on a stepped program of robotic missions coupled with extensive public relations and outreach. Following these purely robotic missions, a short series of manned missions will construct a small, approximately 6 person settlement based on a location scouted by the robotic missions. This settlement will be open for anyone's use (private individuals to government agencies), provided they respect our ethical conduct and heritage policies. Most of the work on the missions is being done on the wiki.
The OpenLuna Foundation takes a unique approach in that:
- All aspects of the mission plan and hardware will be open source. This information will be publicly available and community support and involvement will be actively pursued and welcomed. Special efforts will be made to involve students, educational facilities, and amateur space enthusiasts.
- A strong media presence will be a priority. The entertainment and educational potential of the mission will be exploited to allow the mission to reach the maximum number of people possible. This furthers the educational potential of the mission, provides publicity for sponsors (which will encourage support for future missions), and demonstrates to people that this is possible in the present and inspires the next generation to continue and exceed these mission goals.
- Mission hardware will be light and geared toward continuity from one mission to future missions. This will save costs and simplify the mission and hardware development. Superfluous hardware will be removed from missions and each component will be made in the lightest fashion possible. This may create initial complications, but it will balance out over the span of the program. Risk levels will be assessed and considered to balance risk with the cost of safety to the ability of the mission to continue forward. Much like an Alpine expedition, moderate risks will be acceptable in favor of exploration.
- Access to all scientific data and acceptance of outside research proposals will be encouraged.
Multiple small scout rovers, delivered by a single
lander. The lander will "hop" around to deposit the rovers, similar to
an upside down candy-dispenser.
The locations for these sample return missions will be determined by the rovers from Scout class missions. We plan for 150-180kg of samples returned and a rover that can hang around indefinitely "prospecting" and gathering information. The landing is planned for the southern pole. We will be looking for water, He-3, and a good location for
a future shelter and outpost. Land will be "claimed" for the project (as provided for by international law and treaty, see growing and evolving discussion of lunar and other non-Earthly land ownership debates/policies). Place at minimum one communications satellite in orbit with the first launch. At least two of these missions are planned to give a good spread of target areas and rigorously test the technology. Rock samples will be returned to Western Ontario University and, after being safely cleared, then distributed to those who requested them or auctioned. Profits from this and other income opportunities will be used to fund the next mission. Media opportunities will include auctioning samples, contests to include students at various levels, naming rights as appropriate, documentary rights, etc.
Presuming satisfactory site characteristics, tests, and technology development, this mission will be manned. A person with a lunar "tent" as a safety stop will stay as long as safely feasible, testing technology and preparing the site for future construction. This first manned lander will be named "Tranquility"
in honor of Apollo 11 (and Firefly/Serenity). Formal announcement of outpost construction plans for Phase four. Development of licensed merchandise, mock and real space/surface suits, other things as they are thought of.
Launch up to three more astronauts (as many as possible given technology and supplies). Bring shelter materials as determined by Phase three and spend approximately one to three days building an outpost. If feasible and safe, leave two volunteers on the surface.
Launch up to five more astronauts (as many as possible given technology and supplies). Bring shelter materials as determined by Phase four and spend as much as two weeks testing every system by use in the outpost. If feasible and safe, leave a volunteer on the surface. Announce the completion of the outpost and offer reservations and use to NASA, ESA, JAXA, other space agencies, and private individuals and organizations.
Further Plans
Develop mining, a scientific outpost, in-situ life support as quickly as possible. We will start looking at better surface transport, and a secondary site for a second or third outpost, preferrably on the dark side for a telescope, or lava tube sites. Work with a launch provider to improve launch and landing capabilities. Work on a capsule to increase crew comfort.
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Quick ways to help fund this mission:
Buy something here.
Amazon donates a small percentage of every purchase to OpenLuna.
Or just
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Announcements
New interview!
OpenLuna Radio Interview
Evadot Podcast #16 - OpenLuna.org Part 1
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How can I help?
OpenLuna is a volunteer organization: we welcome and encourage your participation beyond basic membership.
If you desire active involvement, introduce yourself to us and we will find a way to use your talents.
Either way, please use our on-line membership sign-up to stay informed on our activities and claim your share in the next wave of humans to the moon.
Click here for more information
Spread the word:
Check out the resources page for ways of
getting the word out there.
Quick ways to help fund this mission:
We are an open-source company, organized not-for-profit and recognized as a 501(c)3 company,
so your donations are tax deductible.
Or buy something here (Amazon and Endless donate a percentage of every purchase to OpenLuna):
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Links
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 Donate to OpenLuna
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