PET AIAA SciTech 2025 - SimDynamX/SpaceTeamsPRO GitHub Wiki
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The Planetary Exploration Transport
Authors
Abbigail F. Lanham, Isabel Short, Jericho Elegores, Kai Elmore, Madison Miller, Kevin Correa, Matthew Bradberry, Nathan Maupin, Nicholas Siodlarz, Charles Lubin, Maverick Boyle, Win Truoy, Waylon Lee, Alexandr Sein and Dr. Gregory Chamitoff
Abstract
In this paper, we present the Planetary Exploration Transport: a novel concept for a reusable, multi-purpose planetary lander and habitat vehicle. This vehicle is designed to descend from orbit onto a planetary body, support a six-month mission on the surface (including potential relocations), then ascend back to orbit. The vehicle is designed with reusability in mind—the same configuration can be used for the Moon, Mars, and other planets or moons. We propose the use of nuclear thermal rockets for the main thrusters of the vehicle, which allow it to be a single-stage-to-orbit lander on most terrestrial bodies in the solar system. To validate the design, we present simulations of key vehicle systems and example mission scenarios, including descent and landing on the Moon, interactive driving on the Martian surface, and long-term simulations of environmental and life support systems. Lastly, we briefly discuss the outcomes of this project and its future.
Link to PDF
lanham-et-al-2025-the-planetary-exploration-transport.pdf