User:Acroterion/LESA

The Lunar Exploration System for Apollo (LESA) was a proposed element of the Apollo program for lunar exploration, part of the Apollo Applications Program (AAP) for follow-on use of Apollo program technology to establish a semi-permanent Apollo Lunar Base. The lunar component of the AAP was the Apollo Extension Series (AES), for which LESA was to be a family of new lunar landing vehicles that would provide accommodation and support facilities for astronauts as they explored the lunar surface for up to 180 days. The program was to include modified Apollo Command Modules and lunar modules as well as the large LESA shelters. LESA was to begin operations in the late 1970s, following phases 3 and 4 of the Apollo program. Apollo was not pursued beyond Phase 2 and LESA/AES were abandoned in 1968 when NASA cancelled further procurement of the Saturn V rocket which would have launched the LESA modules.

LESA components
LESA was to use a series of manned and unmanned vehicles, some derived from Phase 1 and 2 Apollo hardware, with others designed to maximize the capacity of the Saturn V launch system in a single vehicle rather than the combined command/lunar module assembly employed in the initial Apollo missions.


 * Apollo LM Taxi
 * LESA Shelter
 * Lunar Logistics Vehicle (LLV)
 * Mobile Lab (Molab)