CHAPTER 4 THE EQUIPMENT (B) TRANSFER VEHICLES

B) TRANSFER VEHICLES

The “Transfer Vehicles” or “Taxis” or even “Buses” could be designed in much the same way that the “Space Tugs” are designed, only on a larger scale. “Taxis” would require room for up to six passengers and “Buses” would require room for a dozen or more for short inter-earth-orbital travel. They probably will require several packages for assembly and would use the same fuel that the Lifters into orbit use and would be refueled at the Fuel Depot using the remaining fuel from the lift vehicles. The electronics would be upgraded for long range communication with both Earth and Lunar Orbital Stations as well as the Ground bases, also the Radar and Laser systems will need to be upgraded for the greater distances involved. The Inertial referencing system will also have to be upgraded to make navigation easier.

The Frame should have “hatches” that can be opened for access to the cargo that needs to be shuttled to or from the Lunar Station and/or have a passenger compartment built into the vehicle for ferrying personnel to the Lunar Orbital Station for replacement for transfer down to the Lunar Station. This Vehicle can also be used to bring tourists up to Lunar Orbit from the Earth Orbital Tourist Hotel. If it is decided to use the “Buses” or “Taxis” for trips to the Lunar Orbital station then the might need to be modified for the extra fuel requirements. If in the future a decision to land the “Taxis” or “Buses” on the Lunar surface then special retro rocket systems can be developed for use on the “Lunar Landers” to facilitate the landing on the surface.