NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2004-E-18834 (April 2004) --- This artist's rendering represents a concept of possible activities during future space exploration missions. Credit: NASA

One of NASA's goals is to return humans to the moon by 2020. To leap into lunar surface exploration beyond what the Apollo missions were able to accomplish, future lunar missions will become greatly extended--as much as six months. During these long-duration missions, the most critical element to success is the Habitation System, or simply put, the place the crew will live and work. The Habitat serves as a "home away from home" for the astronauts, providing physical needs and their living and working spaces.

Researchers at Johnson Space Center (JSC) are currently developing several Earth-based mock-ups to test various types of lunar habitation systems. The Sortie and Outpost are two distinct types of habitats that each serve a significant purpose.

The Lunar Sortie
The Lunar Sortie mission involves preparation activities for longer duration habitat missions with surface stays of 4-7 days. Compare this type of habitat to that of what would be needed for a camping trip, where only the bare essentials would be needed.
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The Lunar Outpost
The Lunar Outpost missions will establish the capability to conduct routine human long duration missions of 42-98 days. This habitat will be able to accommodate longer-duration surface science, technology demonstrations and testing of operational techniques. Compare this habitat to what it might be like to go on a trek across the United States in a well equipped travel trailer.
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Reference
In-depth websites and documents provide a detailed look at NASA's mission to return crews to the moon.
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Multimedia
These interactive Flash movies depict NASA's effort to realize the Vision for Space Exploration.
> NASA's New Spaceship
> 2005: Realizing the Vision
> Vision to Reality

Images
Lunar Gallery: View more conceptual imagery of future explorers living and working on the Moon.
> View Gallery

Media seeking more information about living on the moon or to schedule an interview, please contact the Communications and Media Outreach team, NASA Public Affairs, Johnson Space Center, 281-483-5111.