Using the resources of the Moon to create a permanent, cislunar space faring system
Paul D. Spudis
Lunar and Planetary Institute
Anthony R. Lavoie
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Excerpt
We have previously described an architecture that extends human reach beyond low Earth orbit by creating a permanent space transportation system with reusable and refuelable vehicles. Such a system is made possible by establishing an outpost on the Moon that harvests water and produces rocket propellant from the ice deposits of the permanently dark areas near the poles.
Read more: Paul-Spudis-LEAP-Paper