NASA’s next generation

Administrator Michael Griffin yesterday released the results of the agency's exploration architecture study, a blueprint for the next generation of spacecraft to take humans back to the moon and on to Mars and other destinations.

The study makes specific design recommendations for a vehicle to carry crews into space, a family of launch vehicles to take crews to the moon and beyond, and a "lunar mission architecture" for landing on the moon. It also recommends the technologies NASA should pursue in the near term.

According to a statement, the study will assist NASA in achieving President Bush's Vision for Space Exploration, which calls for the agency to return the space shuttle to flight, complete the International Space Station, return to the moon, and continue exploration of Mars and beyond.

NASA says America's next generation spacecraft will use an improved, blunt-body crew capsule, and will accommodate up to six people. "This spacecraft and its systems will build upon the foundation of the proven designs and technologies used in the Apollo and space shuttle programs, while having far greater capability," Griffin said. "It will be able to carry larger and heavier cargos into space and allow more people to stay on the moon for longer periods of time."