Frequently Asked Questions About the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)& Moon Return

Why don't we explore the moon with robotic missions (like we explore Mars)?

NASA has explored the moon using robotic spacecraft, and we plan to continue to use robotic spacecraft to collect lunar data enabling human scientists to return to its surface. Science is just one reason for returning humans to the moon. The primary reason is that the moon provides opportunities to develop technologies and techniques needed for opening the space frontier. It allows us to learn how to survive long term stays on other worlds while only three days travel time from Earth. This will build confidence that we can stay on the surface of another planet for longer periods of time and ultimately venture to Mars and beyond.

Won't human exploration hurt/cut into science?

NASA's human exploration plans will not impact the Science Mission Directorate's budget, but the human exploration program will engage more sophisticated science.

Why did NASA decide on a capsule design rather than a space plane or space shuttle style spacecraft?

A capsule has many advantages over the two other designs including:

• Safest, most reliable and affordable approach to meeting crew transportation requirements for exploration missions
• The capsule shape allows the main thermal protection system for reentry, the heat shield, to be protected (covered by the service module) until it is needed for reentry, unlike winged vehicles whose thermal protective system is exposed for ascent and on orbit.
• The capsule shape is more stable aerodynamically for entry for both nominal auto guided entries and emergency abort entries.
• Easier to integrate a launch escape tower.

How can NASA claim this is a new spacecraft, it looks like an Apollo era capsule?

The shape of the spacecraft is a product of physics. The science of space flight hasn’t changed since we started sending humans into space. This is a high tech design that combines the very best of Apollo and the space shuttle. Blunt-body, conical spacecraft simply provide the safest, most economical means of transporting crews to and from space.

Although it may have an Apollo shape, the new spacecraft will have significant advances including:

• The safest most efficient shape for going beyond low Earth orbit
• Modern day materials and manufacturing processes
• Advanced avionics
• Computers and the experience gained from 40 years of human space flight
• Increased volume. It can carry more crew and cargo.
• Improved operational efficiency and overall capability in a vehicle shaped much like the original Apollo capsule

How and where will the spacecraft land?

Unlike Apollo, the new spacecraft will be able to return to Earth and parachute safely to a ground landing, which makes recovery easier and more affordable. However, if necessary, water recovery is also an option. Preliminary landing sites include Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Carson Flats, Nev., and Moses Lake, Wash.

How many spacecraft will be built and how many times can they be reused?

Research indicates each spacecraft can be flown up to 10 flights. Multiple spacecraft will be built, which may be all or partially reusable. The flight schedule will determine how many vehicles need to be built.