Generation A factory which produces a copy of itself, in conjunction with all other copies of such a factory produced simultaneously by other such factories, yields a new generation, of which it is considered part. Generations are numbered with whole numbers, with the first such factory numbered 0, and successive generations numbered 1, 2, 3,... Low earth orbit Any orbit which the space shuttle reaches. Low lunar orbit Any orbit of the moon which can be reached by the lunar transfer vehicle, in its trips to and from the lunar surface. Lunar transfer vehicle A hydrogen-oxygen rocket which carries payload between low lunar orbit and the moon. The specifications are those of the large transfer vehicle of the 1977 NASA summer study on space habitation (NASA document SP-428; in the following it will be referred to as SP-428) [1] but it is renamed here because it is the unique vehicle to land on the moon in the plans described here. Manufacturing facility, lunar A factory on the moon which uses lunar soil to produce equipment, and which launches soil to the space manufacturing facility. It may be at least partially self-reproducing. Manufacturing facility, space A factory in space which produces equipment from lunar soil, asteroids, or other raw material. It may be at least partially self-reproducing. Mass catcher An apparatus in space which catches mass propelled to it from the moon. Mass driver reaction engine An accelerator of materials by electromagnetic force which provides thrust in space by expelling materials. Men Humans of either sex. Orbital transfer vehicle A hydrogen-oxygen rocket which carries men from low earth orbit to high earth orbit or low lunar orbit and returns.
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