SUNDIAL

CREW three to four astronauts

MISSION LENGTH 28 days, up to three months

MISSION OBJECTIVE scientific research robotic operation research

LOCATION South Pole Aitkin Basin and cold traps on South Pole

CONSTRUCT I ON aluminium frame covered with protective materials

The Sundial Explorer is a mobile habitat, which is designed to perform early scientific research on the lunar surface. According to NASA papers, those lunar missions require human fieldwork. The Sundial Explorer shall make EVA missions with astronauts and the mapping of the lunar surface easier and safer.

Prior to concept development, the following mission goals were determined:

The first goal was to optimise the design for safe and efficient scientific research. While the Sundial Explorer follows a dedicated path, small autonomous rovers can be released for sample collection. The habitat includes a laboratory, in which collected samples can be researched further. The Sundial Explorer also has suitports, providing space suits for every astronaut.

The second goal was to optimise the use of energy and resources. The rover is designed to be self-sufficient while travelling. The Sundial Explorer is a mobile infrastucture. It will move between outposts to get life supporting resources for itself and also transport resources (e.g. water) from one outpost to another.

The third concept idea was the aim to constantly stay in sunlight in order to gather energy. In addition, the thermal tension on materials of the habitat can be reduced, which extends the operational time of the habitat.