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Lunar missions

Luna-Grunt

Previous chapter: Luna-Grunt

Above: Key elements of the Lunny Poligon concept. Credit: NPO Lavochkin

As envisioned at the beginning of the 21st century by NPO Lavochkin engineers, the ultimate goal of the Russian unmanned lunar exploration program would be establishment of a robotic base on the Moon, known in Russian as Lunny Poligon - or Lunar Range. According to the bold and innovative idea, the facility could be used for scientific research, and for trying out industrial activities on the Moon, such as prospecting and mining of lunar minerals. Key transport components of this lunar facility, including Fregat-based booster stages, landing platforms, ascent stages and rovers, would be based on hardware developed for previous Russian missions, such as Luna-Glob, Luna-Resurs and Luna-Grunt. Eventually, the components of the base and its resources, (such as energy and communications), could be rented out to state-run or private institutions in science and industry around the world. Naturally, the robotic test range could also provide a foundation and the logistical support for a future manned base on the lunar surface.

According to some sources, the most suitable locations for the robotic base would be near possible sources of water. If such locations, for example polar areas, happen to coincide with areas of constant sunlight, the base could be powered by solar energy. Potentially, local water could be recycled into hydrogen for use as rocket propellant.

As of 2006, Lunny Poligon would be subdivided into four major areas:

• Service zone would service as a heart of the facility providing a power module with associated solar arrays, communications station and the storage module;
• Scientific zone, hosting a multi-functional scientific lander and specialized landers, such as astrophysics stations;
• Technological zone would accommodate modules and hardware used to process lunar soil to extract minerals and water;
• Liftoff and landing zone would be used for arriving and departing vehicles, resupplying the base;

Highly specialized rovers would be used for the initial construction of the base, as well as for service, maintenance and logistical support of the operational facility. NPO Lavochkin's documents showed rovers designed to lay down cables and flexible solar panels, scrapers and mobile repair trucks with remotely controlled robotic arms. Depending on the location of the base, lunar-orbiting satellites could facilitate communications between the base and ground control.

Next chapter: Unmanned exploration of Mars

Written by Anatoly Zak;

Last update: October 14, 2011

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Astronomical research based on the lunar surface was considered one of major goals of the Lunny Poligon. Credit: NPO Lavochkin

An inflatable lunar component studied around 2004. Credit: NPO Lavochkin

Artist depiction of the Lunny Poligon activities. Credit: NPO Lavochkin