Moonbases

Five locations on the Lunar surface considered by NASA as the location for permanent or semi-permanent moonbases during the period 1961-1972

In many pre NASA lunar exploration plans a permanent or semi-permanent moonbase was considered as the culmination of the exploration of the Moon. From this base astronauts would study the geophysical and near space environment of the Moon for an extended period of time.

During the Apollo period (1961-1972) NASA considered variety of Moonbase designs that could support anywhere from 2 men for a week up to 24 men for a period of 2 years.

Goodyear: Lunar Shelter (1965)

Artists impression of the Goodyear Lunar Shelter in operation.

In response to NASAs request for a means to extend the time astronauts could stay on the lunar surface the Goodyear Corporation designed an inflatable lunar shelter that could be carried folded up against the LM. It was intended to support two men on the lunar surface for eight days.

References

• Goodyear Aerospace Corporation, Lunar Stay Time Extension Module STEM FINAL report, 21 Aug. 1964 - 20 Aug. 1965, August 1965