Total Flights: Lunar Landings : Total Reflights:
4 2 3
LEM Overview
The Lunar Expedition Module (LEM) is a next-generation, fully reusable lunar lander designed for sustained crewed exploration of the Moon. Built to accommodate a crew of three, the LEM operates as a single-stage system—streamlining lunar operations by eliminating the need for separate ascent and descent stages. This integrated design improves reliability, reduces complexity, and maximizes reusability, making it a key component of long-term lunar infrastructure.
During launch, the LEM is housed within the spacious fairings of the OLV Super-Lift launch vehicle. Once in space, it remains docked with the OLV’s second stage throughout trans-lunar injection and lunar orbit insertion. Following a controlled descent and lunar surface operations, the LEM launches directly from the Moon and redocks with the OLV second stage in lunar orbit. From there, the entire crew and vehicle are safely returned to Earth for refurbishment and reuse. Engineered for efficiency and endurance, the LEM marks a bold step forward in sustainable crewed lunar exploration.
Height
103 Studs (91 feet)
Core Diameter
15 Studs (13 feet)
Launch Mass
~7,800 kg (17,200 lbs)
Dry Mass
~4,200 kg (9,300 lbs)
Crew Capacity
3 astronauts
Max Payload to the Moon
~500 kg (1,100 lbs) internal cargo
Main Engines
1× LeapJet-1 Vacuum Engine
Liftoff Thrust
~90 kN (20,200 lbf)
Fuel Type
RP-1 (refined kerosene) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
Mission Types
Lunar surface operations, and lunar return flights
LeapJet-1 Vacuum
1 Total Engine in the Vehicle - Core Stage
Flown Missions
Lunar Horizons 2 marked a major leap forward for QuantumTech Dynamics’ lunar ambitions, showcasing both technological advancement and operational excellence. The mission saw the second successful flight of the powerful OLV Super-Lift launch system and the inaugural flight of the Lunar Expedition Module (LEM) — a key step toward future crewed lunar landings. In a display of remarkable engineering, all major components of the launch vehicle — including the core booster, both solid rocket boosters, and the second stage carrying the LEM — successfully returned to Earth and landed safely. This milestone not only validates the reusability and reliability of QTD’s hardware, but also brings the dream of a permanent human presence on the Moon closer to reality.
Lunar Horizons 3 marked a historic achievement for QuantumTech Dynamics, pushing the boundaries of reusability and lunar exploration. The mission featured the third consecutive successful launch of the OLV Super-Lift, the second flight of the Lunar Expedition Module (LEM), and, for the first time, a fully autonomous uncrewed lunar landing of the LEM on the Moon’s surface. In a continued display of engineering excellence, the booster, both solid rocket boosters, and the second stage all executed flawless returns and landings. Additionally, the mission deployed a classified Department of Defense satellite into geostationary orbit, demonstrating the OLV’s versatility in both lunar and national defense operations. With Lunar Horizons 3, QuantumTech Dynamics has taken a major step closer to sustained lunar missions and deep-space capability.
Lunar Horizons 4 marked another milestone in QuantumTech Dynamics' expanding lunar program, successfully launching from the David Launch Center and completing a flawless orbital flight around the Moon. The mission carried astronauts Bob David and Danon Kyzer, on a multi-day journey through cislunar space. Designed as a systems verification flight ahead of future landings, LH-4 tested updated life support and navigation systems in deep space conditions. All mission objectives were met, and both crew members returned safely following precise reentry and recovery. The success of LH4 further cements the reliability of QuantumTech’s launch and spacecraft architecture as the company sets its sights on sustained lunar surface operations.
The Lunar Horizons 5 mission marked a historic milestone in lunar exploration, successfully delivering astronauts John Brown, Nathan Brooks, and Joshua Lindley—the first UKB astronaut—to the Moon’s south polar region. The crew executed a precision landing near the lunar south pole, an area of high scientific interest due to its potential water ice deposits. Over the course of their surface operations, the astronauts conducted lunar walks, collected valuable geological samples, and documented the unique terrain for future missions. In a testament to the program’s engineering excellence, both the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) and all mission hardware were safely returned to Earth intact and are ready for reflight, underscoring the reusability at the core of the Lunar Horizons program.
Lunar Landing Overview
1. Launch & Earth Orbit Insertion
The mission begins with the launch of the OLV Super-Lift from the David Launch Center. The core and SRBs lift the crew module and Lunar Lander stack into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where systems are checked and transfer preparations are made.
2. Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI)
Using the upper stage, the spacecraft performs a precise engine burn to enter a trajectory toward the Moon. After separation, the stack coasts toward lunar orbit.
3. Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI)
A braking burn positions the spacecraft into a stable Lunar Orbit. The Lunar Lander separates and begins descent preparations while the crew module remains in orbit (if not integrated).
4. Lunar Descent & Landing
The Lunar Lander begins its powered descent, using onboard engines to slow down for a soft landing on a designated site, such as Mare Tranquillitatis or the South Pole region. Touchdown occurs on extendable landing legs.
5. Lunar Surface Operations
Astronauts deploy from the lander to conduct surface science, collect samples, and test equipment such as ISRU (in-situ resource utilization) systems. Mission durations range from 3 to 14 days, depending on life support and energy reserves.
6. Ascent & Rendezvous
The ascent stage of the Lunar Lander lifts off and performs a rendezvous with the orbiting return vehicle or re-docks with the integrated spacecraft in lunar orbit.
7. Return to Earth
After docking and crew transfer, the spacecraft departs lunar orbit and initiates the Trans-Earth Injection (TEI). Reentry procedures are executed upon Earth approach, with splashdown or soft landing depending on capsule type.
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