Weekend Edition
Fri-Mon / 10-13 Dec 2021

Awareness of Cislunar Space Logistic Importance Growing within Government and Think Tanks

As prospects of sustained operations on the Moon nears, unique orbital mechanics of Earth-Moon system draw attention of mission planners and commentators; Chang’e-5T1 service module DFH-3A currently occupies Earth-Moon Lagrange Point 2 serving as communication relay, while stable L4 and L5 will be strategic locations for necessary infrastructure such as fuel / supply depots, habitats, factories; Air Force Research Laboratory Primer on Cislunar Space suggests research on theoretical Shamrock and Aldrin cycler orbits

Credits: Paul Spudis, Aerospace Corporation, NASA